Traeger grills are well known for there outstanding wood pellet system, a cooking method that gives a delicious wood-fired flavor to the variety of foods whether you're barbecuing, grilling, roasting, or smoking. Grills of this caliber are ideal for slow-cooking methods, especially with certain meats like pulled pork, chicken, steaks, and most especially brisket, a notoriously difficult cut of meat to prepare.

Because is a tough becomes it comes from one of the least-tender parts of the cow, the lower chest, and can easily get dry and chewy. However, smoking is the perfect way to cook beef brisket. No other method provides the slow, flavorful roast that breaks down the connective tissue in this cut of meat. But using a pellet grill like a Traeger can add another level of difficulty in creating the perfect tender brisket. Especially if you’re new to preparing this cut.

There are common brisket-smoking mistakes that could ruin your results which is why Moms Who Think has put together a list of the top brisket-smoking mistakes Traeger owners often make to help you avoid them. Should these happen to you, all hope isn't lost. These are relatively easy to fix and that brisket will be tasting delicious in no time.

1. Buying Cheap Ingredients

We get it: groceries keep getting more expensive, especially meat. But brisket is one cut that requires you to buy the best USDA grade you can afford. If you can find it, USDA Prime is the best because it has abundant fat marbling and comes from younger cows. The next best is USDA Choice, the most common grade of beef at grocery stores. Avoid USDA Select grade brisket, as it lacks the fat necessary for tender brisket.

Since you’ve already invested in a high-quality Traeger grill, don’t skimp on the quality of your fuel. Do your research and learn which wood pellets have the best reviews. Remember, pellets aren’t just a fuel source; they’re also a primary source of flavor. So try several brands to find the one your taste buds prefer. Traeger’s own pitmasters recommend hickory, maple, or pecan wood pellets.

Bonus tip: Trim the brisket’s fat cap no thinner than a quarter inch. Brisket needs fat to become tender; you can always trim any excess afterward.

2. Starting With a Dirty Grill

Cooking on a Traeger (or any grill or smoker) can be messy. Smoke, ash, fat residue, and other buildup must be cleaned away often to keep components working correctly.

The grease bucket catches fat while cooking. It’s easiest to keep it clean by purchasing disposable grease bucket liners that can be thrown away. Scrape any fat buildup from the channels that carry the melted fat to the bucket, as neglecting this can cause a grease fire.

Use a citrus-based degreaser spray to clean the inside of your grill. Keep your temperature probe free from cooking residue by giving it a good scrub with a scouring pad. Don’t forget about your firebox. It will be full of ash when you’re done. Empty it, and a few times a year, take it apart and vacuum it out with a shop vac.

Bonus tip: Once you’re satisfied that your Traeger is ready to go, start with the lid open. This allows the initial vapors released from the pellets to vent away. Once you see wafts of smoke, you can close the lid for the rest of the preheating process.

3. Neglecting Temperature Guidelines

Temperature is everything when smoking a brisket on a Traeger. First, allow your grill to preheat for at least 20 to 30 minutes. This allows the temperature to stabilize and the heat to fully saturate the interior.

Refuse the temptation to crank the grill up a few degrees. Brisket must be cooked at a low temperature to become tender and smoky. 275 degrees is the highest you should go, and lower is better. Start around 225 or even 200, then bring it up at the end.

Avoid the temptation to manually change the temperature all day. Part of the reason Traeger grills are expensive is that they are equipped with computers that manage the temperature for you. All grills will have temperature swings, so don’t obsess over them. Just set your controls and let the grill do its thing.

Your temperature probe should be your guide because every brisket cooks differently depending on fat content and thickness. Base any decisions on the meat probe temperature reading, not the clock.

Bonus Tip: Even at the perfect temperature, you risk serving dry meat if you don’t add moisture while smoking brisket. Spritz the meat with water, apple juice, or reserved marinade every hour or so.

4. Ignoring Your Pellet Box

Keep an eye on your pellet hopper. Because smoking a brisket takes several hours, you probably won’t be sitting beside your Traeger the entire time. Periodically check the hopper so your pellets won’t clog or run out, extinguishing your cooking flame. Top off the pellets and stir them well to ensure they continue flowing well through the auger.

Bonus tip: Keep your pellets dry. We recommend storing them in an airtight container in a dry room or garage.

5. Forgetting to Wrap and Rest

After the brisket reaches 165-170 degrees, wrap it in foil or butcher paper to seal in the fat and juices during the remaining cooking time. If you’re worried that the steam will soften the crisp bark on the surface, unwrap it once it reaches 200 degrees, then cook it at 225 degrees until it reaches the desired crispness.

Brisket must also rest for at least an hour before slicing and serving. Many pitmasters prefer to let it rest inside a dry cooler or other insulated container for two hours or more. Resting large cuts of meat allows the moisture to redistribute and the collagen to gelatinize. This prevents all the moisture from flowing out when you slice it.

Bonus Tip: Fill the gaps between your brisket and the container’s walls with clean towels. This provides extra insulation and will catch any drippings.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Christophe La/Shutterstock.com.

The post The Top Brisket-Smoking Mistakes Made on a Traeger appeared first on Moms Who Think.

Microwaving is one of the quickest and simplest ways to prepare corn on the cob. In just minutes, you can enjoy sweet, juicy corn by following a few easy steps. All it takes is a microwave-safe plate, a splash of water, and your trusty microwave. With this hassle-free steaming method, you can cook up to four ears of corn at once, making it an ideal option for serving small groups with minimal effort.

Mastering the Microwave Method

Here are step-by-step instructions for microwaving delicious corn on the cob. Also, do not forget to save our recipe below.

• Start by placing the corn cobs on a microwave-safe plate.
• Add a small amount of water to the plate to create steam. Loosely cover the cobs with a microwave-safe cover or plastic wrap. You can also cover the corn loosely with paper towels.
• Microwave the corn on high for about four to five minutes per corn cob. You do not need to remove the husk. In fact, leaving it on helps the corn to steam better.
• Let the corn sit for a minute or two after microwaving to allow for even cooking.

Be cautious when you remove the corn from the microwave, as it will be hot. Once it cools, enjoy your steamed corn on the cob.

Is It Better to Boil or Microwave Corn on the Cob?

Every cooking method has its pros and cons. Microwaving corn on the cob allows you to focus on the main dish if the corn is a side dish. It is also convenient for preparing up to four ears of corn without needing to boil a whole pot of water. However, boiling is the best option for cooking large batches of corn on the cob.

How Long Do You Microwave Corn on the Cob?

A full-sized ear of corn is approximately eight inches long and should be microwaved for about four minutes. If the corn is frozen, microwave it for at least five minutes. You do not need to pre-soak or husk the corn before microwaving. In fact, microwaving corn with the husk on allows the corn to steam within the husk itself.

It is important to mention that every microwave is different. Higher-wattage microwaves may cook corn faster, so you may need to experiment to find the perfect timing and prevent overcooking or undercooking the corn.

Does Microwaved Corn on the Cob Taste Good?

The short answer is yes. When you cook corn using this method, the corn steams in its own natural juices, preserving its natural flavor and not absorbing any additional flavors from its husk.

As a result, many people prefer microwaving corn on the cob because it produces tender and delicious kernels with very little effort. However, some may miss the charred or grilled flavor from other cooking methods, such as grilling or boiling. Nevertheless, microwaving is a convenient and quick way to cook corn on the cob, especially when your time is limited or when you are cooking for a small number of people.

Nevertheless, we should mention that the freshness of the corn and the microwave's wattage can significantly affect the outcome. Experiment with your microwave and adjust cooking times for the best corn on the cob. Moreover, always use fresh corn, and do not be afraid to experiment with butter and seasonings.

Final Thoughts

When cooking for a small group or in a time crunch, microwaving corn on the cob is one of the best and fastest methods. Cooking the corn in its husk allows it to steam more evenly, resulting in a delicious, pure corn flavor.

Cooking corn this way also allows you to focus on the main dish if corn is a side dish. Once you have perfected making corn on the cob in the microwave, it may become your go-to method because it is so quick and easy. No one has to know unless you want to share your cooking secret. We promise not to tell anyone.

How to Microwave Corn on the Cob

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• Author: Bobbie Morris
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Description

Cooking corn on the cob in the microwave is quick and easy.

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Ingredients

• 4 ears of corn on the cob
• Water
• Salt (optional)
• Butter (optional)

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Instructions

1. Start by husking the corn, removing the outer leaves and silk strands. Rinse the corn under cold water to remove any remaining silk.

2. Place the ears of corn in a microwave-safe dish or plate. You can either cook them individually or stack them, depending on the size of your microwave and dish. If stacking, make sure the corn is arranged in a single layer.

3. Add about 1/4 cup of water to the dish. The water will create steam, which helps cook the corn evenly. If desired, you can also sprinkle a pinch of salt over the corn for flavor.

4. Cover the dish loosely with microwave-safe plastic wrap or a microwave-safe lid. Leave a small vent to allow steam to escape.

5. Microwave the corn on high power for 4-6 minutes per ear, depending on the wattage of your microwave and the desired level of doneness. Start with 4 minutes for crisp-tender corn and increase the cooking time if needed.

6. Carefully remove the dish from the microwave using oven mitts or a towel to avoid burns. The dish and steam will be hot.

7. Let the corn sit for a minute or two before removing the plastic wrap or lid. Be careful of any steam that may escape when you uncover the dish.

8. Serve the corn on the cob hot, optionally with butter and additional salt to taste.

Notes

The total cooking time for four ears of corn is 16 to 24 minutes, with each ear requiring 4 to 6 minutes.

• Prep Time: 5-7 minutes
• Cook Time: Cooking time per ear: 4 to 6 minutes

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Pixel-Shot / Shutterstock.com.

The post Microwave Corn on the Cob Like a Pro appeared first on Moms Who Think.

For Trader Joe's fans, these eight hacks will help you create delicious family dinners in less than 30 minutes. From easy southern-style chicken and dumplings to homemade pretzels that rival Auntie Anne's, our tips offer quck meal ideas along with other time-saving kitchen tricks to simplify dinner prep. Discover our favorite Trader Joe's hacks below.

Two-Ingredient Chili Mac

Ingredients

• TJ's Just Sauce Turkey Bolognese
• TJ's Mac ‘n Cheese

For a tasty twist on chili mac, combine Trader Joe's Mac ‘n Cheese with their turkey Bolognese sauce. Or, for more of a kick to your chili mac, use TJ's Hatch Chile Mac & Cheese.

Easy Chicken and Dumplings

Ingredients

• TJ's Organic Biscuits
• TJ’s Grilled Chicken Breast
• TJ's Organic Free Range Chicken Broth
• Herbs of your choice (we recommend rosemary and thyme)

This recipe comes from “Inside Trader Joe's,” which is the store's official podcast. In April 2023, the podcast hosts revealed an incredibly easy and quick chicken and dumpling soup recipe. Follow these instructions and enjoy your chicken and dumplings in about fifteen minutes.

• Cut the biscuits into quarters.
• Depending on your preference, roll them into balls or cut them into strips.
• Add pre-cooked chicken breast to the already heated chicken broth.
• Add any spices you choose.
• After about 15 minutes, you will have an easy and delicious chicken and dumpling soup.

You can also customize the recipe by adding cream for a thicker soup or vegetables such as spinach or carrots.

Tomato & Roasted Red Pepper Soup with Chimichurri Rice

Ingredients

• TJ's Organic Tomato & Roasted Red Pepper Soup
• Frozen bag of Peruvian-Style Chimichurri Rice with Vegetables

This Trader Joe's hack combines a carton of TJ's Organic Tomato & Roasted Red Pepper Soup and a frozen bag of Peruvian-style chimichurri Rice with Vegetables to create a fulfilling combo that you can enjoy as an entrée or side dish. For some reason, the soup's rich tomato and red pepper flavors pair perfectly with the aromatic rice.

Falafel Tabbouleh Bowls with Tzatziki

Ingredients

• TJ's Fully Cooked Falafel
• TJ's Tzatziki
• TJ's Tabbouli
• TJ's Power to the Greens salad mix

If you are looking for a convenient meal-prep option, consider making Falafel Tabbouleh Bowls with Tzatziki using all Trader Joe's ingredients. In fact, this Trader Joe's meal hack would be a great lunch option for work.

To assemble your meal, scoop two tablespoons of Trader Joe's Tzatziki into a small, lidded, single-serve container. Add your desired amount of Trader Joe's Tabbouli and one-fourth of a bag of the salad mix to the container. This meal can be stored in the fridge for up to four days. When you are ready to eat, simply reheat the falafel in the microwave, add it to the tzatziki, and enjoy. Heating the falafel for one minute in the microwave is the most intensive part of this meal's preparation.

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Ingredients

• TJ's Organic Free Range Chicken Stock
• TJ's Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken
• TJ's Mediterranean Style Orzo Pasta Salad

For a quick Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup, shred Trader Joe's pre-cooked Lemon Chicken and add it to a large stockpot. Then, add two tubs of Mediterranean Orzo Salad and two cartons of chicken broth. Bring to a boil and enjoy with a squeeze of fresh lemon. You will be enjoying your soup in less than 15 minutes.

Penne Arrabbiata with Sausage and Spinach

Ingredients

• TJ's Sweet Italian Sausage
• TJ’s Frozen Penne Arrabbiata
• Spinach

Technically, you can use any Trader Joe's sausage or pasta sauce, but we recommend this combination because it is so easy to make, and the flavors complement each other so well. To make this easy pasta dinner with greens and protein, follow these steps.

• Start by removing the casing from your favorite Trader Joe's Sausage and cooking it thoroughly.
• Add it to a prepared skillet of Penne Arrabiata.
• Add the spinach if you want to blend it into the pasta. Or you can simply serve the pasta on a bed of spinach.

Perfect Pretzels

Ingredients

• TJ's Pizza Dough
• Kosher Salt
• TJ's Everything But The Bagel Seasoning
• Butter

You can use pizza dough to make delicious buttery soft pretzels, similar to Auntie Anne's, without spending hours making the dough from scratch. To make soft pretzels at home, shape the dough into traditional pretzels or bite-sized pieces. The secret to the pretzel's chewy texture is boiling water with baking soda.

Before baking the soft pretzels, boil them in water with baking soda for a few seconds, then put them in the oven until the tops are golden brown (typically 12 to 14 minutes). Once out of the oven, brush the tops with butter, then top the pretzels with kosher salt, TJ's Everything But The Bagel Seasoning, or, if you prefer something sweet, even cinnamon and sugar.

Trader Joe's Two-Ingredient Ice Cream

• TJ’s Almond Milk (or Oat Milk)
• TJ’s Frozen Wild Boreal Blueberries

While the texture is more like a slushie rather than ice cream, it is still absolutely delicious and requires only two ingredients: the milk of your choice (we suggest almond or oat for some added flavor) and the blueberries. Simply add milk to one cup of frozen blueberries. You only need to cover the blueberries and stir. Let it sit for one minute, then stir again. Somehow, it combines into this refreshing ice cream-like texture with no blending.

Other Creative Trader Joe's Hacks To Try

Here are a few more simple Trader Joe's tips and tricks that we suggest.

• Cook Trader Joe's frozen pizza in a cast iron skillet. A Trader Joe's employee suggests doing this for the best pizza crust ever. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Next, place the frozen pie in a cold cast iron skillet. Then, bake the pizza in the cast iron skillet until the cheese is brown and bubbly for a crispy crust every time.
• Make DIY frozen yogurt. Another Trader Joe's employee hack is to slip a popsicle stick into the chain's six-packs of yogurt and freeze them overnight. The result is mini-frozen yogurts that are almost as good as ice cream.
• Make easy and delicious beignets. A Trader Joe's employee created this two-ingredient sweet treat, requiring only a package of TJ's Crescent Rolls and some powdered sugar. First, cut the crescent rolls into pieces. Then, fry them and toss them in powdered sugar. You can also make this beignet-like dessert in an air fryer.
• Keep your Trader Joe's natural peanut butter from separating with this hack. To prevent the oil from forming on top of natural peanut butter, store the jar upside down in the refrigerator. The cold temperature and gravity will cause the oil to rise to the bottom of the jar, making it easier to stir back into the peanut butter when you turn it over.
• Put TJ’s Everything But the Bagel Seasoning on chicken and onion rings. This seasoning is one of the most popular items at Trader Joe's because it can be used on many different kinds of food. We recommend adding this seasoning to your chicken tenders for a quick upgrade. Furthermore, it is delicious on fried pickles and onion rings.

In Summary

If you enjoy shopping at Trader Joe's, you probably already appreciate their healthy products and affordable prices, not to mention their eco-friendly policies. Another great thing about Trader Joe's is the way you can create many kinds of meals using their budget-friendly products, which allows you to prepare healthy food for your family while spending less time in the kitchen. With our eight hacks, you can create delicious foods and desserts for yourself and the entire family.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©ablokhin / iStock Editorial via Getty Images.

The post 8 Trader Joe’s Dinners You Can Make in 30 Minutes Flat appeared first on Moms Who Think.

We know life gets busy between going to work, taking the kids to extracurricular activities, going to the gym, and more! With such fast-paced lifestyles, we often resort to heading to a fast-food restaurant to quickly grab something to eat. Let’s be honest, most of the time we choose something filling, like a cheeseburger. However, if you want to save money, have less stress, and eat healthy, there are other options. Do not fear; we are here to help. We’ve put together a list of 25 healthy, portable snacks to always have on hand to keep you energized throughout the day. Some can be prepped in advance on a Sunday and ready for you and your family to enjoy during the week on the go. 

25. Granola Peanut Butter Apple Stacks

Ingredients:

• 1 x apple
• A sprinkle of granola or salted peanuts
• 2- 3 teaspoons of peanut butter (or your choice of nut butter)
• A sprinkle of dried cranberries

Instructions:

Core the apple using a melon baller or apple corer. Cut the apple crosswise into ¼-inch slices. Spread a layer of peanut butter over each slice. Sprinkle with peanuts, granola, and dried cranberries. Serve and enjoy.

24. Cashew Coconut Fig Energy Balls

Make these tasty little snacks on a Sunday and store them in a covered container in the fridge.

Ingredients:

• Zest of ½ lemon
• ½ cup dried figs (remove the stems)
• Pinch of salt
• ½ cup cashews
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened shredded dried coconut, plus a little for rolling the balls into.

Instructions:

Put all the ingredients into a food processor and blend until pureed. If the figs are too dry, add a tablespoon or two of water. Roll into 8 smooth balls, then roll the balls in the coconut.

23. Trial Mix

Make this nutritious trail mix and store it in a mason jar for up to one month. One of 25 healthy portable snacks to always have on hand.

Ingredients:

• ¾ cup raw cashews
• ¾ cup raw pecans
• Pinch of nutmeg
• ½ cup raw sunflower seeds
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ cup raisins
• ½ cup cherries
• ½ cup chopped dark chocolate

Instructions:

Roast the pecans and cashews for 10 minutes at 350 degrees F. Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl and mix well. Store in a mason jar or ziploc bag.

22. Keto-Friendly Beef jerky

Ingredients:

• 1lb flank steak (sliced thinly into strips)
• ½ tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepperflakes
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon Besti brown monk fruit allulose blend or your choice of brown sugar

Instructions:

Put the beef slices into a large bowl and coat the meat well with all the ingredients. Refrigerate for 30 minutes or overnight. Preheat the oven to 175 F. Line a large baking sheet with foil and put a nonstick cooling rack on top. Place the beef in a single layer on the wire rack. Then bake for 3-4 hours until dry, turning halfway through. Allow to cool and store in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 months or freeze for up to 1 year.

21. Peanut Butter Celery Sticks

Quick and easy with a toothsome crunch.

Ingredients:

• Celery sticks
• Peanut butter

Instructions:

Slice the celery into sticks and spread the center with a layer of peanut butter.

20. Hard-Boiled Eggs

Hard-boiled eggs can be stored in the refrigerator peeled or unpeeled for up to one week. Boil them all on Sunday, and you will have boiled eggs ready to grab and go for the rest of the week. Add them to a piece of toast with sliced avocado. Delicious!

Ingredients:

• 12-14 eggs
• Water to cover the eggs

Instructions:

Put the eggs in a medium to large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil, turn off the heat, and cover the pot. Allow the eggs to cook for 9-12 minutes covered, depending on your desired doneness. Remove from the stovetop and place the eggs in a bowl of ice water for 14 minutes. Peel and enjoy.

19. Hummus and Veggies

Made with creamy chickpeas, pair it with some celery and carrot sticks.

Ingredients:

• 1 can chickpeas
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 clove garlic
• Salt and pepper
• ¼ cup crumbled feta (optional)
• Your choice of veggie sticks

Instructions:

Add all the ingredients except the veggie sticks to a blender and blend for 2-3 minutes until smooth. Serve with your choice of veggie sticks or a slice of rye bread. 

18. Fresh Fruit

Healthy portable snacks to always have on hand include a variety of fresh fruits. Apples, bananas, strawberries, grapes, and pears are all quick grab-and-go options.

17. Spicy Roasted Chickpeas

Switch those potato chips for spicy roasted chickpeas. Furthermore, sprinkle with a little sugar and cinnamon for a sweet version. Store in a glass jar for 4-5 days.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees and line the baking sheet with aluminum foil. Place the chickpeas in a bowl and toss with the remainder of the ingredients. Spread the chickpeas on the tray and bake for 15 minutes. Shake the pan and return to the oven for a further 15 minutes until crunchy and brown.

16. Egg Muffins

These egg muffins can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days and in the freezer for up to 3-4 months. You can use egg whites only or whole eggs.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup diced red pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup diced yellow pepper
• 1 cup diced green pepper
• 2 cups chopped baby spinach
• 1 cup diced yellow onion
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• Salt to taste
• 4 whole eggs or 4 egg whites
• Hot sauce to drizzle on top

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 12-hole muffin tray with spray and cook. Cook the peppers, onion, mushrooms, spinach, and garlic in a non-stick pan for 2 minutes; season with salt. Whisk the eggs, then add the cooked vegetables. Pour an even amount in each muffin hole and bake until cooked through, about 15-20 minutes. Additionally, you can add cheese, bacon, or tuna. A versatile, healthy portable snack to always have on hand.

15. 3 Ingredient Gummies

These gummies should hit the spot if you’re in for a sweet treat snack. (makes 20 gummies)

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 cup fruit juice
• Natural food coloring (optional)
• 5 tablespoons gelatin
• Silicone worm or teddy bear mold
• Dropper

Instructions:

Heat the fruit juice in a small saucepan until warm for 2 minutes. Add the honey and gelatin and stir until dissolved for about 3 minutes. Allow to cool slightly, then add a drop of food coloring. Pour into the mold and refrigerate for 20 minutes. Store in an airtight container for up to one week.

14. Broc Tots

Make these tasty tots in advance and store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to three days.

Ingredients:

• ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 250g broccoli florets
• ¾ cup grated cheddar cheese
• 1 egg lightly whisked
• 2 finely chopped spring onions
• 20g melted butter
• Tzatziki or marinara sauce to serve

Instructions:

First line a baking sheet with baking paper, and preheat the oven to 230°C. Cook the broccoli in a pot of salted boiling water for 3 minutes. Drain and set aside. Finely chop the broccoli. In a medium bowl, mix all the ingredients together. Leave it to chill in the fridge for 20 minutes. Roll into balls and press each ball into a cylinder shape. Place on the tray and bake for 10 minutes, then turn them over and bake for a further 5 minutes until golden. Serve with tzatziki or marinara sauce and enjoy.

13. Baked Tofu

Baked tofu can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for 3-5 days.

Ingredients:

• 1 block (12 to 15 ounces) extra-firm tofu
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Drain the tofu and squeeze out excess water. Slice into thirds lengthways so you have 3 even slabs. Then slice through them lengthways so you have 3 even columns, then slice across to make 5 even rows. Arrange the tofu on a cutting board covered with a paper towel. Cover the tofu with a paper towel and place something heavy on top to help it drain for about 30 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and drizzle with olive oil and soy sauce. Toss to combine. Sprinkle with cornstarch and toss again. Place the tofu on the baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, tossing halfway.

12. Turkey Meatballs

Turkey meatballs are a healthy portable snack to always have on hand. They can be stored in an airtight container for up to four days in the fridge or frozen for up to one month.

Ingredients:

• 1lb lean ground turkey
• ½ cup Italian-style bread crumbs
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 egg, beaten

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spray a large cookie sheet with cooking spray. Mix all the ingredients in a large bowl until well combined. Shape the mixture into 15 balls. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 16-20 minutes.

11. Roasted Watermelon Seeds

Roasted watermelon seeds are wonderful portable snacks. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.

Ingredients:

• Watermelon seeds
• Salt
• Olive oil

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Toss washed and dried watermelon seeds in olive oil and salt. Spread the seeds on a baking sheet and roast for 15-20 minutes.

10. Zucchini, Pumpkin and Corn Muffins

Store these wholesome muffins in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 days or up to 3 months in the freezer.

Ingredients:

• 120g butter, chopped
• 2 cups (320g) wholemeal self-raising flour
• 1 cup coarsely grated pumpkin
• 1 cup (250ml) milk
• 1 cup (120g) grated cheddar cheese
• 1 large zucchini, finely grated
• 1 cup (160g) frozen corn kernels, thawed
• 2 eggs, lightly whisked

Instructions:

First, preheat the oven to 356 F. Spray a 12-hole muffin pan with Spray and Cook. In a large bowl, add the flour and butter and rub together until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Add the rest of the ingredients. Do not overmix. Divide the mixture among the holes and bake for 25 minutes.

9. Protein Bars

Store in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for up to four days. Also freezer-friendly.

Ingredients:

• Pinch of salt
• 100g mixed seeds 
• 50g dried apricots, finely chopped
• 85g tahini
• 50g soft dates, finely chopped
• 4 tbsp protein powder
• For the topping (optional)
• 100g dark chocolate
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil

Instructions:

Place all of the ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Press the mixture down into a greased loaf pan. Melt the chocolate and coconut oil in the microwave and spread on top. Refrigerate for 2 hours, then cut into slices.

7. Baked Sweet Potato Chips

Store these delicious chips in an airtight container for 7 days.

Ingredients:

• 2 large sweet potatoes
• 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
• Sea salt to taste

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Next, slice sweet potatoes thinly. Toss with olive oil and sea salt. Arrange slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy.

6. Overnight Oats

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• Fresh or frozen fruit for topping
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of choice)
• 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds

Instructions:

Mix all ingredients in a mason jar. Then refrigerate overnight. Top with fruit before eating.

5. Canned Salmon or Tuna

Canned salmon or tuna is a quick on-the-go snack filled with protein. Pick up a few cans at the local supermarket and add a dash of salt and pepper. For your convenience, choose a can that has a quick pull-off lid.

4. Banana Oatmeal Cookies

These cookies can be frozen for 3–4 months.

Ingredients:

• 2 mashed ripe bananas
• ¼ cup crushed walnuts or chocolate chips
• 1 cup of uncooked quick oats.

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 350 °F. Spray a cookie sheet with non-stick spray. Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix. Put a tablespoon of each on the sheet and bake for 15 minutes.

3. Healthy Cake

This cake can be stored in an airtight container and left on the counter for up to 4 days for a healthy portable snack.

Ingredients:

• 2 apples diced
• ½ cup of water
• ½ cup of oats
• 1 banana mashed
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup raisins
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking powder

Instructions:

Place the apples and water in a blender. Blend until smooth. Transfer to a bowl and add the rest of the ingredients. Mix well. Pour the mixture into a loaf tin and bake it at 350 F for 40 minutes.

2. Veggie Nuggets

One of our favorite 25 healthy snacks to always have on hand are these scrumptious veggie nuggets. Store in the fridge in an airtight container for 3-5 days or in zip-top bags in the freezer for 3 months. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Ingredients:

• 1 ¾ cups bread crumbs (205 g)
• 3 carrots, peeled and cut into small chunks
• ½ head cauliflower, broken up
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 head of broccoli, broken up
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper

Instructions:

First, blend all the ingredients except for the breadcrumbs until well combined in a blender. Then add 1¼ cup (145 grams) of bread crumbs and blend again. Scoop a tablespoon of the mixture and form small nuggets, then roll each nugget in the remaining breadcrumbs. Pan fry with a little oil over medium heat for 5 minutes on each side or bake in the oven at 400˚F for 25 minutes, turning after 15 minutes. Eat and enjoy.

1. Popcorn

Quick and easy to make. Store in an airtight container.

Ingredients:

• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup coconut oil
• ⅓ cup finely chopped Italian parsley
• 1-2 teaspoons olive oil
• ⅔ cup popcorn kernels

Instructions:

Over medium heat, heat a heavy bottom pot with a lid. Add the coconut oil and 4 popcorn kernels, cover, and cook for 4-5 minutes until the kernels pop. Remove the popped kernels and add the rest. Cover the pot and cook for 2–5 minutes, shaking to ensure all kernels have popped. Once you hear a pop every second or two, remove the pot from heat and tilt the lid slightly to remove any moisture. Pour the popcorn into a bowl and toss with the remaining ingredients. Serve and enjoy. 

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Ollphotograph/Shutterstock.com.

The post 25 Healthy, Portable Snacks to Always Have on Hand appeared first on Moms Who Think.

Ok, we all have to admit that some mornings are just a complete rush, and many people battle to find the time to eat breakfast. It is important to note that eating breakfast is crucial to providing you with enough energy to get through the morning. In our busy schedules, we don’t have the time to make a gourmet breakfast and often find ourselves grabbing a handful of sugary cereal as we run out the door. However, with a bit of effort, you can easily make breakfast ahead of time. To help you solve this problem, we’ve put together a list of 8 healthy breakfast ideas for busy mornings.

1. Avocado Toast With Egg

You can enjoy avocado and toast at any time of the day for breakfast, a snack, lunch, or even dinner. When paired with an egg, you have a perfectly healthy meal that consists of carbohydrates (bread), healthy fat (avocado), and protein (eggs). Try opting for low-GI bread or whole wheat instead of white bread. It’s simple to make, affordable, and only takes about 10 minutes. Make sure to pick a ripe avocado. It’s best to buy 5 or 6 avocados at once because most store avocados are usually rock-hard. To ripen your avocado quickly, put it in a brown paper bag with an apple. Seal the bag and leave it for a day or two.

Easy Alternatives

• Add sliced tomatoes and fresh basil.
• Crumble a little bit of feta cheese on top.
• Sprinkle with your choice of herbs, such as cilantro, mixed herbs, or dill.

Avocado Toast With Egg

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• Author:Kay Keene
• Total Time:10 minutes
• Yield:1

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Description

Avocado, egg, and toast are quick to prepare. Choose a healthy whole-grain bread. Whole grains are an excellent source of minerals, fiber, and vitamins.

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Ingredients

• 2 slices of whole wheat bread, toasted
• 2 fried eggs, sunny side up
• 1 teaspoon of lemon juice
• 1 avocado
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare your toast and fry the eggs.
2. Peel and mash the avocado. Add the salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
3. Then, spread the avocado on each slice of toast. Place the fried egg on top, and season with any additional herbs. Serve immediately and enjoy.

• Prep Time:5 minutes
• Cook Time:5 minutes
• Category:Breakfast

Nutrition

• Serving Size:2 slices
• Calories:509

2. Healthy Rice Cereal

If it’s a cold day and you’re running late for work, then you must try this healthy rice cereal for breakfast. It’s a great way to use up any leftover rice, and it only uses four ingredients. Furthermore, rice is a great source of carbohydrates to fuel your body for a busy morning. It is also enriched with B vitamins and iron. Additionally, top it off with raisins, honey, maple syrup, or almonds.

Healthy Rice Cereal

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• Total Time:10-20 minutes
• Yield:4

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Ingredients

UnitsUSM

• 1 1/2cups white rice, cooked
• 2cups 1% low-fat milk
• 1/4cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

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Instructions

1. Cook rice according to the instructions on the package.
2. Combine warm cooked rice, milk, sugar, and cinnamon. Stir and serve.

• Category:Breakfast

Nutrition

• Serving Size:1 cup
• Calories:250
• Sodium:66mg
• Fat:2g
• Saturated Fat:1g
• Cholesterol:5mg

3. French Toast

This healthy breakfast idea for busy mornings is perfect for when you’re in a rush. What makes this recipe ideal is that you can do all the prep work the night before. Simply pop it in the oven when you wake up and let it bake while you take a shower. Serve with cinnamon sugar, honey, and maple syrup, and top it off with some fresh blueberries.

French Toast

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• Total Time:0 hours
• Yield:4

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Ingredients

UnitsUSM

• 8 slices white bread, 1/2-inch-thick
• 5 eggs
• 1–1/2cups whole milk
• 1/4cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

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Instructions

1. Lightly grease a 13 x 9 x 2 inch baking pan. Cut each slice of bread into 2 even strips. Arrange bread strips in a pan.
2. In a large bowl, mix eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla with an electric mixer on low speed until well blended, about 5 minutes.
3. Pour egg mixture over bread strips; cover. Chill for 4 to 8 hours.
4. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Bake until eggs are set and toast is lightly browned, about 30 to 40 minutes.

• Prep Time:10 minutes
• Chill Time:4-8 hours
• Cook Time:30-40 minutes
• Category:breakfast

Nutrition

• Serving Size:2 slices each
• Calories:460
• Sodium:581mg
• Fat:23g
• Saturated Fat:7g
• Cholesterol:279mg

4. Spinach and Egg Sweet Potato Toast

If you are looking for a healthy option to add carbohydrates to your morning meal, then you must try this delicious spinach and egg sweet potato toast. Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamin A, fiber, and potassium. Furthermore, sweet potatoes are good for your eyesight and may support the immune system. Pairing it with protein and the famous superfood spinach, you have a complete meal. Spinach contains many vital nutrients, including chlorophyll, which has been linked to improved digestion.

Spinach and Egg Sweet Potato Toast

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• Total Time:20 minutes
• Yield:1

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Ingredients

UnitsUSM

• 1 large slice of sweet potato (1/4 inch thick)
• 1 large egg, fried or poached
• 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/3cup cooked spinach
• 1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh chives

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Instructions

1. Toast the slice of sweet potato for 12 – 15 minutes in the toaster or oven until cooked and starting to brown. Top it with cooked spinach, egg, chives, salt, pepper, and hot sauce.

Notes

• Calcium: 126mg
• Iron: 3mg
• Magnesium: 70mg
• Potassium: 556mg

• Prep Time:10 minutes
• Cook Time:10 minutes
• Category:breakfast

Nutrition

• Serving Size:1 toast
• Calories:124
• Sodium:190mg
• Fat:5g
• Carbohydrates:12g
• Fiber:3g
• Protein:9g
• Cholesterol:186mg

5. Overnight Oats

If you prefer a quick, no-fuss meal for breakfast, then you can prep the oats the night before. Place the oats in a jar, add your choice of milk or yogurt, close the lid, and give it a good shake. Place it in the fridge overnight. In the morning, top it off with slices of fruit and nuts, and you have a quick grab-and-go healthy breakfast. Furthermore, oats lower blood sugar levels and contain a soluble fiber known as beta-glucan, which promotes heart health. Try these variations in the morning to find your favorite flavor.

• Almond delight: add coconut, chopped almonds, maple syrup, and chocolate chips.
• Peanut butter and strawberry jelly: for a sweet and salty flavor, layer strawberry jelly, fresh strawberries, peanut butter, and crushed nuts.
• Pumpkin pie: add pumpkin spice, canned pumpkin, and a blob of whipped cream.
• Apple pie: add some cinnamon, pecans, sliced apple, and maple syrup.
• Banana Nutella: add a few slices of banana and a spoonful of Nutella.

Overnight Oats

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• Total Time:8 hours 5 minutes
• Yield:1

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Ingredients

UnitsUSM

• 1/2cup rolled oats
• 1/2cup liquid (milk or yogurt)

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Instructions

1. Place your oats in a jar.
2. Add your choice of milk.
3. Mix it all together until all the oats are submerged in milk and close the lid.
4. Place it in the fridge overnight.
5. Add your choice of toppings. Eat and enjoy.

Notes

If the texture is too thick, add a little more milk the next morning. 

• Prep Time:5 minutes
• Chill Time:8 hours
• Category:Breakfast
• Method:No-cook
• Cuisine:American

Nutrition

• Serving Size:1

6. Berry Matcha Smoothie

There is no need to grab breakfast through the drive-through today. Kickstart your day with this brain-healthy, antioxidant-rich blueberry matcha smoothie. Additionally, blueberries are very good for you; they improve memory, prevent heart disease, and lower blood pressure. Blueberries taste delicious, and they are low in calories. 

Berry Matcha Smoothie

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• Total Time:5 minutes
• Yield:1

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Ingredients

• 1cupfresh blueberries or frozen wild blueberries
• 1/2 cup yogurt
• 3/4 cup cold water
• 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut milk, chilled
• 1/2 cup spinach
• 1 teaspoonmatcha powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• Ice as needed

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Instructions

1. First, add the coconut milk, water, blueberries, yogurt, spinach, matcha powder, and ground turmeric to a blender and blend until smooth.
2. Next, add ice as needed and blend again.
3. Serve in a tall glass, add extra blueberries, and enjoy.

• Prep Time:5 minutes
• Category:Breakfast

Nutrition

• Serving Size:1

7. Adaptable Egg Muffins

Adaptable egg muffins are healthy breakfast ideas for busy mornings. Whip up a batch of these protein-packed cups and store them in the freezer. When ready to eat, wrap each muffin in a damp paper towel, then pop them in the microwave for 2 minutes. When making egg muffins, you also have fewer dishes to clean afterward. I always suggest making a double batch of these tasty bites because they are really convenient and can last for a week in the fridge or two months in the freezer. There are no limits when it comes to egg muffins. Play around with the recipe and add your favorite ingredients.

Adaptable Egg Muffins

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• Total Time:0 hours
• Yield:12

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Ingredients

UnitsUSM

• Nonstick cooking spray
• 8 large eggs
• 1cup of milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1cup of cheese of your choice feta, cottage, cheddar, or gouda
• 1cup of your choice of meats: pulled pork, ham, sausage, or shredded chicken
• 1cup of your choice of finely chopped vegetables: onion, tomato, sweet potato, spinach, corn, or carrots
• Herbs: Italian, cilantro, or spring onion

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 °F. Then spray a 12-cup muffin pan with nonstick spray.
2. Next, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, pepper, cheese, meat, and vegetables.
3. Fill each muffin cup halfway with the egg mixture, and sprinkle with extra cheese and your choice of herbs.
4. Bake for 20–25 minutes until set.

• Prep Time:15 minutes
• Cook Time:20-25 mintutes
• Category:Breakfast
• Method:Oven bake

8. Air Fryer Bacon and Toast

Calling all bacon lovers, this recipe is super simple and takes about 10 minutes to prepare. The bacon is prepared in the dry fryer, resulting in scrumptious, crispy bacon with less fat. Customize your healthy breakfast idea by adding sliced tomatoes, avocado, and cottage cheese. Sprinkle with fresh chives or cilantro. Choose whole-grain bread or sourdough bread for a healthier option. Additionally, sourdough bread is easier to digest and may assist in managing blood sugar levels and promote gut health. A tasty, satisfying, and healthy breakfast idea for busy mornings. 

Air Fryer Bacon and Toast

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• Total Time:0 hours
• Yield:3 or 6 rashers

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Ingredients

• 6 x streaky bacon rasher
• Or 3 x back bacon rashers
• 2 slices of whole-grain or sourdough bread
• Optional: sliced avocado, sliced tomato, cottage cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. First, lay the bacon in a single layer in the base of the air fryer. Do not let the pieces overlap.
2. Next, if using streaky bacon, cook at 200 degrees Celcius for 6–10 minutes. Additionally, if using back bacon, cook for 4–8 minutes, depending on your preference. Using tongs, remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel to drain.
3. In the meantime, toast 2 slices of whole-grain or sourdough bread.
4. Finally, spread with cottage cheese and top with sliced bacon, tomatoes, and avocado. Season with salt and pepper. Eat and enjoy.

• Prep Time:5 minutes
• Cook Time:4-10 minutes
• Category:Breakfast
• Method:Dry fryer

The image featured at the top of this post is ©noblige/iStock via Getty Images.

The post 8 Healthy Breakfast Ideas for Busy Mornings appeared first on Moms Who Think.

You often wonder what you can make for a quick and easy dinner, especially when you have had a long, busy day at work. As a parent, kids often ask you, “What’s for dinner?” and “What time are we eating?” Thankfully, nowadays we can speed things up with the convenience of a microwave. Many foods can be cooked in the microwave, and rice is a staple food for more than half of the globe's population. Some people find making rice difficult; however, learning how to cook microwave rice is effortless and saves you time. If you have never made microwave rice before, don’t worry; it’s super easy, and today you can learn how to microwave rice in just a few simple steps.

What Are the Best Types of Rice to Cook in the Microwave?

According to USARice, there are over 120,000 types of rice. You may be wondering which ones are best to cook in the microwave. Well, we’ve got you covered. Additionally, you can cook any type of rice in the microwave; however, the cooking time may vary depending on the type of rice used.

The most common types of rice are:

• White rice: This is fluffy, light, and versatile and is best used for stuffing peppers, casseroles, making fish cakes, and stir-fries. For best results, use 2 cups of water for 1 cup of rice.
• Brown rice: Fluffy, chewy, and nutty, and 100% whole grain. Brown rice is ideal for soups, salads, casseroles, and stir-fries. For best results, use 2 ½ cups of water for 1 cup of rice.
• Jasmine rice: Originating from Thailand, this long-grain rice has a soft texture and sweet flavor. It is best served in a stir-fry, rice salad, pilaf, or fried rice dish. For best results, use 1 ½ cups of water for 1 cup of rice.
• Arborio rice: Native to Italy, this rice is used for risotto and is also tasty in rice cakes and soups. Additionally, risotto contains essential starches, creating a creamy texture when cooked; thus, it is advised not to rinse the rice beforehand. Use 2 cups of water for 1 cup of rice.
• Basmati rice: Has a wonderful smell and a delectable flavor. It pairs well with rice salads, stews, and soups and is perfect for layered dishes like pilau and biryani. Use 2 cups of water for 1 cup of rice.
• Black rice: Also known as forbidden rice, and turns purple once cooked. It has a texture that can be compared to brown rice, allowing it to be a good substitute. It goes well as a side dish with chicken, salads, vegetables, and tofu. For best results, soak black rice for 30 minutes before cooking. Use 2 ½ cups of water for 1 cup of rice.
• Wild rice: This is chewy and crunchy and best used in soups, stuffings, and casseroles. Use 1 ½ cups of water for 1 cup of rice for a chewy ‘al dente’ texture.

Nutritional Value of Different Types of Rice

Below are the nutritional values for different types of rice, according to Nutritionix.

• Arborio rice: most calories per cup: 242 g; total carbohydrates per cup: 53 g; iron per cup: 2.7 mg.
• Brown rice: most total fat per cup: 1.6 g; calcium per cup: 19.6 g; dietary fiber per cup: 3.6 g
• Wild rice: most sodium per cup: 4.9 g; sugars per cup: 1.2 g; protein per cup: 6.5 g; potassium per cup: 165.6 g.

Moreover, MedineNet has found several studies where consuming whole grains like brown rice and wild rice can benefit the body with weight loss and help control blood sugar levels, which can reduce the risk of diabetes. 

How Do You Reheat Rice in the Microwave?

Reheating rice is quick and easy. First, drizzle 1-2 tablespoons of water over the rice to prevent drying. Next, cover the container with a lid or cling wrap and put it in the microwave for 3-4 minutes to re-steam.

How Do You Microwave Rice Without It Boiling Over?

Preventing the rice from boiling over is relatively simple. Place your desired amount in a larger dish. Use the same water-to-rice ratio per cup of rice. Make sure to use a microwave-safe dish that is deep enough to allow enough space for the rice to rise. Keep in mind that one cup of rice expands and is enough to feed 2-3 adults. The general rule of thumb is to use a 1 ½ quart-sized dish to make 1 cup of rice. What's more, leftover rice can be stored. Store in the fridge for two days or frozen for up to three months in an airtight container.

Furthermore, leftover rice is perfect for making fried rice or rice pudding. There is no need to waste when it comes to food; leftovers are versatile, and with a bit of guidance, anyone can create an amazing dish with leftover rice.

How to Microwave Rice: A Step-by-Step Guide

Equipment

To make rice perfectly in the microwave, all you need is a microwave-safe glass bowl with a lid. If you don’t have a lid, cover it with cling wrap.

Ingredients

• Rice
• Water
• Salt

Step by Step

• First, measure out your desired amount of rice, give it a rinse, and then put the rice, salt, and water into the microwave-safe glass bowl.
• Then, cover it with a lid or cling wrap and put it in the microwave on medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes, depending on the power of the microwave.
• Remove it from the microwave, give it a stir with a fork, and serve hot.

How to Microwave Rice

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• Total Time: 11 minutes
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Description

Follow this step-by-step guide to make perfect microwave rice.

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Ingredients

Units USM

• 1 cup Basmati rice (180 g)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups of water (480 ml)

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Instructions

1. First, rinse the rice until the water runs clear. Place the rice, salt, and cold water in a microwave-safe bowl.
2. Next, cover the bowl with a lid or cling wrap, and put it in the microwave on medium heat for 8–10 minutes.
3. Remove it from the microwave. If it is still wet, cook for another 1-2 minutes. Take off the lid or cling wrap, stir with a fork, and serve hot.

Notes

NOTE: Cup sizes may vary; be sure to use the same cup when measuring water. Depending on the microwave wattage, if the rice is still wet, put it back in the microwave for a further 1-2 minutes. To give your rice extra flavor you can also add stock to the water before placing it in the microwave.

• Prep Time: 1 minute
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Microwave

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 169
• Sugar: 0.1 g
• Sodium: 587 g
• Fat: 0.3 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 0.6 g
• Protein: 3.3 g

The image featured at the top of this post is ©poomsak suwannasilp/Shutterstock.com.

The post How to Microwave Rice appeared first on Moms Who Think.

The road to health begins at the family table. Planning ahead by having healthy weekly menus saves time, money, and the temptation to hit take-out restaurants.

We know how it is. You come home from work, you’re tired and hungry and the last thing you feel like doing is preparing your family a meal! The urge to order takeout, go to a restaurant, or pop something in the microwave can be irresistible.

Tips For Making Healthy Dinners

Here are some tips to prevent that from happening.

Make Meals in Advance: When you are coming home from work, you’re exhausted and probably don’t feel like cooking. That’s why it’s a good idea to make your meals in advance. Take some time, maybe on the weekend, to make meals that can be stored during the week. It might not be as delicious as serving fresh food, but it may be worth your sanity and well-being!

Think of What You Are Going to Serve: Take some time to plan your meals in advance. Meatball Mondays, Taco Tuesdays, Wasabi Wednesdays… and so on. This way, you can be sure you have all your ingredients on hand for your meals and you don’t have to think too much about the dishes that need to be prepared.

Consider Health and Time: Of course, we want all our meals to be healthy, but we also want meals that can be made quickly and easily. It’s a good idea to scout out recipes in advance. When doing so, try to find ones that have healthy ingredients.

Keep Your Kitchen Organized: Keeping an organized kitchen is key to making dinner as easy and efficient as possible. If you have ingredients scattered all over the place and your cooking utensils aren't organized, you'll be scrambling to find items during cooking and stressing yourself out unnecessarily. Keep all of your utensils and ingredients organized. If you can separate them by recipe, even better.

Try To Give Yourself Enough Time: It can be hard to find enough time to cook when it's a particularly busy night. That's why it's important to plan ahead, as we mentioned above. By planning ahead, you'll be able to make easier recipes on busier nights. That way, you'll have plenty of time for tougher meals on nights when you don't have as much to do.

Other Things to Keep In Mind

Chicken and turkey are great lean meats, while vegetables are a good source of vitamins. Red meats and carbohydrates can be added in limited amounts. Be careful with red meat, as too much of it isn't great. To make it healthier, try finding the leanest red meat that you can in the store. For example, we recommend buying 93/7 ground beef or leaner.

Use the planned weekly meals we put together as they are, or substitute meals with other choices from our Healthy Dinner Ideas section. It’s filled with even more family-friendly healthy dinners you and your family are sure to love.

8 Weeks of Healthy Dinner Menus & Recipes

Use the free 8 weeks of meal plans we put together for a simple no-stress way to eat healthy dinners your family will love.

Week One

Week Two

Week Three

Week Four

Week Five

Week Six

Week Seven

Week Eight

Healthy Menus

Week One Healthy Dinner Recipes and Menus

The first full week of healthy dinner recipes; seven days of different meals your family will love!

* Lighter Beef Stroganoff
* Grilled Chicken Sandwiches
* Baked Ziti with Mushrooms
* BBQ Pork Tenderloin Kebabs
* Cheesy Chicken and Vegetable Skillet
* Beefy Deep Dish Pizza
* Diner-Style Turkey Burgers

Week Two Healthy Dinner Recipes and Menus

The second week of healthy dinner recipes, with a variety of wonderfully spiced and flavored dishes.

* Chicken Pasta Pizza
* Teriyaki Pork Tenderloin
* Baked Crab Cakes
* Beef Fajitas
* Roasted Chicken with Roasted Garlic Parsley
* Sausage Lasagna
* Crock Pot Beef-Barley Stew

Week Three Healthy Dinner Recipes and Menus

The third week of healthy dinner recipes, home-cooked meals that are easy to make and taste great!

* Ham and Cheddar Pasta Casserole
* Beefy Enchiladas
* Cheese Stuffed Italian Chicken
* Eggplant Parmesan
* Pepper-crusted Flank Steak with Mushroom Sauce
* Creamy Chili Corn Chicken
* Portobello Mushroom Pizzas

Week Four Healthy Dinner Recipes and Menus

The fourth week of healthy dinner recipes, including a comfort food favorite and aromatic sauces for chicken and pork.

* Beef Stir-Fry
* Pesto Chicken with Squash
* Pork Chops with Peach Sauce
* Pasta Primavera with Cheese
* South of the Border Meatloaf
* Chicken Cutlets with Ginger Sauce
* Little Italy Sausage Potato Skillet

Week Five Healthy Dinner Recipes and Menus

The fifth full week of healthy dinner recipes, adds even more meal choices to your family's menu!

* Sweet and Sour Chicken
* Baked Smothered Steak
* Spaghetti Squash Pie
* Pork with Ginger-Pear Sauce
* Cucumber Chicken
* Balsamic Pork Chops
* Beef and Macaroni Skillet Supper

Week Six Healthy Dinner Recipes and Menus

Our healthy dinner recipes for the sixth full week combine a touch of elegance and a hearty portion of home-style cooking.

* Linguine with Shrimp and Scallops
* Molasses Glazed Pork Roast
* Chicken Pot Pie
* Veggie-Filled Burgers
* Dijon Roast Beef
* Tomatillo-Pineapple Chicken
* Fettuccine Alfredo

Week Seven Healthy Dinner Recipes and Menus

In the seventh week of healthy recipes, you'll find a spicy favorite jerk chicken, peachy pork chops, and linguine with white clam sauce.

* Penne with Chicken and Broccoli
* Linguine with White Clam Sauce
* Lentil and Kielbasa Stew
* Pork with Peachy Salsa
* Spicy Sloppy Joes
* Jerk Chicken
* Flank Steak with Spicy Crust

Week Eight Healthy Dinner Recipes and Menus

The eighth week of healthy dinner recipes has everything from steak lovers' tasty fare to Italian favorites like pasta and meatballs.

*Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breasts
*Fusilli with Meatballs
*Pan Fried Pork Filets
*Fettuccine with Scallops, Asparagus, and Lemon
*Grilled Margarita Flank Steak
*Chipotle Chicken Corn Pizza
*Pork Chops with Apple Cream Sauce

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Joshua Resnick/Shutterstock.com.

The post Try These Amazing Healthy Dinner Recipes appeared first on Moms Who Think.

One of the easiest ways to cook corn on the cob is using the microwave. In just a few minutes, the whole family can savor delicious and juicy corn by following a few simple steps. All you need is a microwave-safe plate, a small amount of water, and, of course, a microwave. Once you perfect our method of steaming corn in the microwave, you can cook up to four ears of corn at a time, making it a quick and easy dish to prepare for small groups of people.

Mastering the Microwave Method

Here are step-by-step instructions for microwaving delicious corn on the cob. Also, do not forget to save our recipe below.

• Start by placing the corn cobs on a microwave-safe plate.
• Add a small amount of water to the plate to create steam. Loosely cover the cobs with a microwave-safe cover or plastic wrap. You can also cover the corn loosely with paper towels.
• Microwave the corn on high for about four to five minutes per corn cob. You do not need to remove the husk. In fact, leaving it on helps the corn to steam better.
• Let the corn sit for a minute or two after microwaving to allow for even cooking.

Be cautious when you remove the corn from the microwave, as it will be hot. Once it cools, enjoy your steamed corn on the cob.

Is It Better to Boil or Microwave Corn on the Cob?

Every cooking method has its pros and cons. Microwaving corn on the cob allows you to focus on the main dish if the corn is a side dish. It is also convenient for preparing up to four ears of corn without needing to boil a whole pot of water. However, boiling is the best option for cooking large batches of corn on the cob.

How Long Do You Microwave Corn on the Cob?

A full-sized ear of corn is approximately eight inches long and should be microwaved for about four minutes. If the corn is frozen, microwave it for at least five minutes. You do not need to pre-soak or husk the corn before microwaving. In fact, microwaving corn with the husk on allows the corn to steam within the husk itself.

It is important to mention that every microwave is different. Higher-wattage microwaves may cook corn faster, so you may need to experiment to find the perfect timing and prevent overcooking or undercooking the corn.

Does Microwaved Corn on the Cob Taste Good?

The short answer is yes. When you cook corn using this method, the corn steams in its own natural juices, preserving its natural flavor and not absorbing any additional flavors from its husk.

As a result, many people prefer microwaving corn on the cob because it produces tender and delicious kernels with very little effort. However, some may miss the charred or grilled flavor from other cooking methods, such as grilling or boiling. Nevertheless, microwaving is a convenient and quick way to cook corn on the cob, especially when your time is limited or when you are cooking for a small number of people.

Nevertheless, we should mention that the freshness of the corn and the microwave's wattage can significantly affect the outcome. Experiment with your microwave and adjust cooking times for the best corn on the cob. Moreover, always use fresh corn, and do not be afraid to experiment with butter and seasonings.

Final Thoughts

When cooking for a small group or in a time crunch, microwaving corn on the cob is one of the best and fastest methods. Cooking the corn in its husk allows it to steam more evenly, resulting in a delicious, pure corn flavor.

Cooking corn this way also allows you to focus on the main dish if corn is a side dish. Once you have perfected making corn on the cob in the microwave, it may become your go-to method because it is so quick and easy. No one has to know unless you want to share your cooking secret. We promise not to tell anyone.

How to Microwave Corn on the Cob

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• Author: Bobbie Morris
• Total Time: 0 hours

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Cooking corn on the cob in the microwave is quick and easy.

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Ingredients

• 4 ears of corn on the cob
• Water
• Salt (optional)
• Butter (optional)

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Instructions

1. Start by husking the corn, removing the outer leaves and silk strands. Rinse the corn under cold water to remove any remaining silk.

2. Place the ears of corn in a microwave-safe dish or plate. You can either cook them individually or stack them, depending on the size of your microwave and dish. If stacking, make sure the corn is arranged in a single layer.

3. Add about 1/4 cup of water to the dish. The water will create steam, which helps cook the corn evenly. If desired, you can also sprinkle a pinch of salt over the corn for flavor.

4. Cover the dish loosely with microwave-safe plastic wrap or a microwave-safe lid. Leave a small vent to allow steam to escape.

5. Microwave the corn on high power for 4-6 minutes per ear, depending on the wattage of your microwave and the desired level of doneness. Start with 4 minutes for crisp-tender corn and increase the cooking time if needed.

6. Carefully remove the dish from the microwave using oven mitts or a towel to avoid burns. The dish and steam will be hot.

7. Let the corn sit for a minute or two before removing the plastic wrap or lid. Be careful of any steam that may escape when you uncover the dish.

8. Serve the corn on the cob hot, optionally with butter and additional salt to taste.

Notes

The total cooking time for four ears of corn is 16 to 24 minutes, with each ear requiring 4 to 6 minutes.

• Prep Time: 5-7 minutes
• Cook Time: Cooking time per ear: 4 to 6 minutes

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Esin Deniz/Shutterstock.com.

The post How to Microwave Corn on the Cob appeared first on Moms Who Think.

With rising food costs, it is becoming more difficult to feed your family well while also sticking to your grocery budget. If your family enjoys chicken, we have eight budget-friendly dishes that cost less than $20 to make and are perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Moreover, most of these dishes require minimal cleanup time. In many cases, these dishes yield leftovers that can feed the family again, saving you even more money.

In addition to providing you with carefully selected and tested recipes, we also offer detailed tips and strategies for planning affordable and delicious chicken dinners. Our goal is to help you make the most of your budget by maximizing the value and flavor of your meals.

The Best Money-Saving Tips for Chicken Dinners

When planning budget-friendly family meals, follow these general guidelines to stretch your money. Here are some of the best money-saving tips for preparing delicious chicken dinners on a budget.

• Buy family packs of meat and freeze them in individual bags. This method is more cost-effective than buying smaller packages of chicken. You can store any leftover chicken in freezer bags. A whole chicken can be stored for up to one year, while chicken pieces like cutlets will last in the freezer for up to nine months. Ground chicken can be safely stored for up to three months.
• Later in the day, supermarkets often discount rotisserie chicken for a quick sale before closing, so try to buy them at the end of the day.
• Cutting up a whole chicken can help you save money, as whole chickens are typically cheaper per pound than chicken breasts.
• You can always substitute the type of chicken in the recipe with whatever is on sale at the supermarket that week. For instance, using thighs instead of chicken breasts will not dramatically affect the taste of the recipe.
• Keep meals simple by preparing easy dishes like baked chicken and rice. Purchase vegetables that are on sale, as out-of-season veggies tend to be more expensive.

Cheesy Bacon BBQ Chicken Bake

This inexpensive one-pan recipe is incredibly easy to make, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Since it only requires one pan to make, the cleanup is also quick. While this barbecue bake can be a meal in itself, cole slaw, baked beans, or French fries are easy and inexpensive sides you can serve with this meal.

For this recipe, if preferred, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or tenders. Onions are optional but will add flavor. Furthermore, season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and your favorite barbecue sauce. Finally, top with cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and optional green onions.

Easy Chicken Enchiladas

These chicken enchiladas require only eight ingredients and can be prepared in just 30 minutes. All you need is red chile sauce, shredded chicken, cheese, and onions. In about 20 minutes, they bake in a 9×13 casserole dish and come out golden brown and delicious. If you like, you can garnish your enchiladas with cilantro and serve them with an inexpensive side dish like refried beans.

Creamy Ranch Chicken

This Ranch Chicken recipe is a quick skillet dish with a creamy sauce and zesty Ranch seasoning. Serve it over baked potatoes for an especially delicious experience, although this dish is also great with a side of vegetables.

Moreover, it is important to use Ranch seasoning mix for this recipe, not Ranch dip mix, as they taste different and have different uses. For a bacon ranch chicken dinner, you can also add bacon and cheese to this meal.

This dish is so delicious that you probably will not have any leftovers. However, if you do, you can store them in an airtight container for up to three days or freeze them for up to three months.

Easy Chicken Quesadillas

Chicken quesadillas are quick and easy to make. First, you cook the filling, then place it into a tortilla and fold it over to cook in the pan. If you are in a big hurry to make dinner, you can use store-bought rotisserie chicken and save even more time. Furthermore, many inexpensive sides pair well with chicken quesadillas, including rice, refried beans, or salsa.

Easy Orange Chicken

This simple orange chicken recipe requires affordable ingredients: one bag of frozen popcorn chicken, one jar of orange marmalade, one cup of barbecue sauce, six tablespoons of soy sauce, and your choice of white or brown rice.

As the popcorn chicken heats up in the oven, mix the orange marmalade, barbecue sauce, and soy sauce in a medium-sized saucepan. Heat the mixture on medium-low until everything combines and the marmalade is completely melted. This process takes about five minutes. Once the popcorn chicken is done, pour the sauce over the chicken and mix well. Finally, serve this easy orange chicken over rice or with some inexpensive veggies.

Mexican Street Corn Chicken

This one-pan chicken dinner is incredibly inexpensive and easy to make. You can prep this Mexican street food dish and have it in the oven in as little as 10 minutes. Furthermore, the protein and the vegetables are combined in a single casserole dish. This combination not only enhances the overall flavor of the meal but also simplifies the preparation process. Finally, clean-up is a breeze since you only have to clean up one pan.

You can serve this hearty meal on flour tortillas or even on chips with salsa and guacamole. This chicken dinner also pairs well with Mexican rice, black beans, sautéed onions and peppers, or a side salad.

One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice

This cheesy chicken broccoli and rice dish is a straightforward one-pot dinner recipe that can be effortlessly prepared on the stovetop. It requires only five simple ingredients: tender chicken, broccoli, rice, a flavorful chicken broth, and cheddar cheese. By combining these ingredients, you can have a satisfying and comforting meal on the table in just 30 minutes.

This recipe is also very adaptable. You can make it spicier by adding shredded pepper jack cheese. You can also add chili powder or cayenne pepper with the salt and pepper. Other great options include garlic powder, onion powder, diced onion, or fresh garlic.

Oven Baked Chicken and Rice

We love one-pot dinners that can be baked in the oven. This family-friendly one-pot dinner features tender, flavorful chicken baked with fluffy butter rice. Even better, it requires very little prep time and is a breeze to clean up.

While this meal is substantial enough to be served on its own, plain natural yogurt or Greek yogurt is an amazing addition to chicken and rice. Additionally, pairing a simple leafy green salad with a basic vinaigrette is perfect for this dish. Finally, consider roasted vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus, or green beans as possible side dishes.

In Summary

These eight chicken dishes are perfect for families who enjoy chicken and want to stick to a budget. Each dish is affordable, costing less than $20 to make, even if you decide to include additional side dishes. Furthermore, these recipes are easy to prepare and require minimal cleanup, making them ideal for busy families. Even if you are on a tight budget, you can still prepare delicious and healthy meals for your family with our suggestions, even when you are on the go.

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The image featured at the top of this post is ©Brent Hofacker/Shutterstock.com.

The post 8 Chicken Dinner Recipes That Cost Less than $20 and Are Easy to Make appeared first on Moms Who Think.

If you enjoy shopping at Trader Joe's, you will love these eight hacks that will help you create delicious family dinners in less than 30 minutes. Our tips and tricks cover everything from making the easiest southern chicken and dumplings to creating homemade pretzels that rival Auntie Anne's. Along with offering quick and simple meal ideas, we also recommend other hacks that will save you time in the kitchen. Here are eight of our favorite Trader Joe's hacks.

Two-Ingredient Chili Mac

Ingredients

• TJ's Just Sauce Turkey Bolognese
• TJ's Mac ‘n Cheese

For a tasty twist on chili mac, combine Trader Joe's Mac ‘n Cheese with their turkey Bolognese sauce. Or, for more of a kick to your chili mac, use TJ's Hatch Chile Mac & Cheese.

Easy Chicken and Dumplings

Ingredients

• TJ's Organic Biscuits
• TJ’s Grilled Chicken Breast
• TJ's Organic Free Range Chicken Broth
• Herbs of your choice (we recommend rosemary and thyme)

This recipe comes from “Inside Trader Joe's,” which is the store's official podcast. In April 2023, the podcast hosts revealed an incredibly easy and quick chicken and dumpling soup recipe. Follow these instructions and enjoy your chicken and dumplings in about fifteen minutes.

• Cut the biscuits into quarters.
• Depending on your preference, roll them into balls or cut them into strips.
• Add pre-cooked chicken breast to the already heated chicken broth.
• Add any spices you choose.
• After about 15 minutes, you will have an easy and delicious chicken and dumpling soup.

You can also customize the recipe by adding cream for a thicker soup or vegetables such as spinach or carrots.

Tomato & Roasted Red Pepper Soup with Chimichurri Rice

Ingredients

• TJ's Organic Tomato & Roasted Red Pepper Soup
• Frozen bag of Peruvian-Style Chimichurri Rice with Vegetables

This Trader Joe's hack combines a carton of TJ's Organic Tomato & Roasted Red Pepper Soup and a frozen bag of Peruvian-style chimichurri Rice with Vegetables to create a fulfilling combo that you can enjoy as an entrée or side dish. For some reason, the soup's rich tomato and red pepper flavors pair perfectly with the aromatic rice.

Falafel Tabbouleh Bowls with Tzatziki

Ingredients

• TJ's Fully Cooked Falafel
• TJ's Tzatziki
• TJ's Tabbouli
• TJ's Power to the Greens salad mix

If you are looking for a convenient meal-prep option, consider making Falafel Tabbouleh Bowls with Tzatziki using all Trader Joe's ingredients. In fact, this Trader Joe's meal hack would be a great lunch option for work.

To assemble your meal, scoop two tablespoons of Trader Joe's Tzatziki into a small, lidded, single-serve container. Add your desired amount of Trader Joe's Tabbouli and one-fourth of a bag of the salad mix to the container. This meal can be stored in the fridge for up to four days. When you are ready to eat, simply reheat the falafel in the microwave, add it to the tzatziki, and enjoy. Heating the falafel for one minute in the microwave is the most intensive part of this meal's preparation.

Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Ingredients

• TJ's Organic Free Range Chicken Stock
• TJ's Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken
• TJ's Mediterranean Style Orzo Pasta Salad

For a quick Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup, shred Trader Joe's pre-cooked Lemon Chicken and add it to a large stockpot. Then, add two tubs of Mediterranean Orzo Salad and two cartons of chicken broth. Bring to a boil and enjoy with a squeeze of fresh lemon. You will be enjoying your soup in less than 15 minutes.

Penne Arrabbiata with Sausage and Spinach

Ingredients

• TJ's Sweet Italian Sausage
• TJ’s Frozen Penne Arrabbiata
• Spinach

Technically, you can use any Trader Joe's sausage or pasta sauce, but we recommend this combination because it is so easy to make, and the flavors complement each other so well. To make this easy pasta dinner with greens and protein, follow these steps.

• Start by removing the casing from your favorite Trader Joe's Sausage and cooking it thoroughly.
• Add it to a prepared skillet of Penne Arrabiata.
• Add the spinach if you want to blend it into the pasta. Or you can simply serve the pasta on a bed of spinach.

Perfect Pretzels

Ingredients

• TJ's Pizza Dough
• Kosher Salt
• TJ's Everything But The Bagel Seasoning
• Butter

You can use pizza dough to make delicious buttery soft pretzels, similar to Auntie Anne's, without spending hours making the dough from scratch. To make soft pretzels at home, shape the dough into traditional pretzels or bite-sized pieces. The secret to the pretzel's chewy texture is boiling water with baking soda.

Before baking the soft pretzels, boil them in water with baking soda for a few seconds, then put them in the oven until the tops are golden brown (typically 12 to 14 minutes). Once out of the oven, brush the tops with butter, then top the pretzels with kosher salt, TJ's Everything But The Bagel Seasoning, or, if you prefer something sweet, even cinnamon and sugar.

Trader Joe's Two-Ingredient Ice Cream

• TJ’s Almond Milk (or Oat Milk)
• TJ’s Frozen Wild Boreal Blueberries

While the texture is more like a slushie rather than ice cream, it is still absolutely delicious and requires only two ingredients: the milk of your choice (we suggest almond or oat for some added flavor) and the blueberries. Simply add milk to one cup of frozen blueberries. You only need to cover the blueberries and stir. Let it sit for one minute, then stir again. Somehow, it combines into this refreshing ice cream-like texture with no blending.

Other Creative Trader Joe's Hacks To Try

Here are a few more simple Trader Joe's tips and tricks that we suggest.

• Cook Trader Joe's frozen pizza in a cast iron skillet. A Trader Joe's employee suggests doing this for the best pizza crust ever. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Next, place the frozen pie in a cold cast iron skillet. Then, bake the pizza in the cast iron skillet until the cheese is brown and bubbly for a crispy crust every time.
• Make DIY frozen yogurt. Another Trader Joe's employee hack is to slip a popsicle stick into the chain's six-packs of yogurt and freeze them overnight. The result is mini-frozen yogurts that are almost as good as ice cream.
• Make easy and delicious beignets. A Trader Joe's employee created this two-ingredient sweet treat, requiring only a package of TJ's Crescent Rolls and some powdered sugar. First, cut the crescent rolls into pieces. Then, fry them and toss them in powdered sugar. You can also make this beignet-like dessert in an air fryer.
• Keep your Trader Joe's natural peanut butter from separating with this hack. To prevent the oil from forming on top of natural peanut butter, store the jar upside down in the refrigerator. The cold temperature and gravity will cause the oil to rise to the bottom of the jar, making it easier to stir back into the peanut butter when you turn it over.
• Put TJ’s Everything But the Bagel Seasoning on chicken and onion rings. This seasoning is one of the most popular items at Trader Joe's because it can be used on many different kinds of food. We recommend adding this seasoning to your chicken tenders for a quick upgrade. Furthermore, it is delicious on fried pickles and onion rings.

In Summary

If you enjoy shopping at Trader Joe's, you probably already appreciate their healthy products and affordable prices, not to mention their eco-friendly policies. Another great thing about Trader Joe's is the way you can create many kinds of meals using their budget-friendly products, which allows you to prepare healthy food for your family while spending less time in the kitchen. With our eight hacks, you can create delicious foods and desserts for yourself and the entire family.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Kalea Martin/Shutterstock.com.

The post 8 Trader Joe’s Dinner Hacks (Easy Meals in Less than 30 Minutes) appeared first on Moms Who Think.

We all crave delicious and nutritious meals, but sometimes the things that taste the best for us are loaded with calories. While calories are important and are essential in assisting your body to work properly, consuming too many of them can lead to weight gain. However, reducing your calories does not mean you need to skimp on flavor. In this article, we will share 30 meals under 500 calories that are nutritious, delicious, and sure to leave you satisfied. 

1. Chickpea Quinoa Bowls

Want a protein-packed bowl with fewer calories? Swap the meat for some chickpeas. Chickpeas are a great source of protein but are lower in calories than chicken or beef. Over a bed of quinoa, place your chickpeas, sliced cucumbers, feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and some sliced red onions. Garnish with fresh parsley. You can create a roasted red pepper sauce to go with it by combining red peppers, garlic, olive oil, and paprika in an immersion blender.

2. Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps

Not only is this meal under 500 calories, but it is super simple to make as well. Make a sauce with rice vinegar, water, soy sauce, siracha, garlic, and a little sugar. Cook your ground beef with garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Place your beef into your lettuce wrap and place shredded carrots and chopped scallions on top. Garnish with fresh mint and sprinkle the sauce on top.

3. Sheetpan Chicken and Vegetables

Combine soy sauce, olive oil, ginger, garlic, and crushed red pepper in a bowl. Mix well to create your sauce. In another bowl, have your chicken and vegetable mixture. Snap peas, bell peppers, and scallions are recommended. Pour the sauce over the mixture and add it all to a baking sheet pan. Bake for 20 minutes at 400°F. Stir halfway through. When finished garnish with sesame oil.

4. Coconut Chickpea Curry

While this recipe may surprise you because of the rice, it is still under 500 calories. 1 cup of white rice has about 206 calories, and this meal can serve four. So that is only about 52 calories per person coming from the rice. For this recipe, you will need to buy a store curry sauce. Try to look for one with a lower sodium content. In a skillet, over medium-high heat, you will add onion, pepper, and zucchini until they brown. Then add your chickpeas and your selected curry sauce. Add spinach just before serving so it can wilt. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and place over white rice.

5. Stuffed Peppers

This is a delicious and easy meal to make. Gather some bell peppers and chop off the tops. Remove any lingering seeds from within and have them stand up like a cup. In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook your ground turkey with salt, pepper, and taco seasoning. While that is cooking, prepare your Spanish rice on another burner. Additionally, chop up some cilantro, and a jalepaño. Open, rinse, and drain a can of black beans. Once everything is cooked, add your rice and beans to the bottom of your pepper cup. Then top with the ground turkey and chopped jalepaño. Sprinkle a little cheese on top and bake at 350 for about 20 minutes or until cheese is melted. Garnish with your chopped cilantro.

6. Grilled Chicken Salad

You can spice up a salad with a few simple steps. For this salad, use spinach as your base and garnish with vegetables of your choosing. We recommend cherry tomatoes, corn, feta cheese, and a couple of slices of avocado. Grill your chicken and place it on top. Season with a balsamic vinaigrette or with lime juice and salt.

7. Kielbasa Skillet

This meal under 500 calories is always a family favorite and can be made in 20 minutes or less. Make a batch of brown rice and set it on the side. In a pan, heat your kielbasa with an onion, some mushrooms, and garlic. In a separate bowl, mix corn, black beans, cilantro, and diced red pepper. Season the vegetables with olive oil, lime juice, and salt. Stir the vegetables into the rice. For a little additional flavor, you can add a soy sauce or seasoning of your choice. A personal favorite of my household is Wegmans's Citrus Ginger Sauce. Combine the vegetable rice mixture and kielbasa and serve.

8. Salmon Rice Bowl

Mix siracha, honey, avocado oil, salt, pepper, garlic, and ginger in a bowl. Pour over your salmon filets and bake in the oven at 400 °F for 8-10 minutes. Meanwhile, cook a batch of brown rice. Dice an avocado, a red bell pepper, and some cucumbers. Place the rice on the bottom of your bowl, drizzle a little soy sauce on top. Next place your avocado, cucumber, and red pepper pieces into the bowl. Place your salmon on top, and garnish with a fresh herb of your choice and some sesame seeds.

9. Sweet Potato Nachos

Did you know that a typical plate of nachos can reach up to over 1,000 calories? What if I told you there was a way to make this delicious meal for under 500 calories? The secret? Sweet potatoes! Swap out those chips for a healthier choice and make some slight modifications to this family-favorite dish. For this recipe, you will place your oven at 325°F. Rinse, clean, and thinly slice your sweet potatoes into a chip-like shape. You place these onto a baking sheet and drizzle some olive oil on top.

Next, place them into the oven and allow them to bake for 20 minutes. While they are baking, add corn, black beans, and canned chicken to a bowl. Add seasoning of your choice. I like a little hot sauce on mine. After 20 minutes flip your potatoes and let them cook for another 15. Then, take them out and place your mixture on top of your sweet potato chips. Sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese on top and place back in the oven. Cook until the cheese is fully melted, then garnish with fresh cilantro.

10. Seared Tuna Steak With Spinach Salad

Grill or pan-sear a tuna steak. Season with some garlic, ginger, and a little soy sauce. Feel free to add a store-bought sauce as well. Opt for one that is low in sugar, sodium, and caloric content. Then place the tuna steak over a bed of spinach. You can garnish your spinach salad with hard-boiled eggs, almonds, and cranberries. Dress with a vinegarette.

11. Shrimp Fajitas

Preheat your oven to 400 °F. In a bowl combine olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, chipotle powder, and the juice of 1 lime. Slice an onion, a red bell pepper, and a yellow bell pepper, and pour 2/3 of the mixture over the vegetables. Place them in the oven for 15 minutes. While they are cooking pour the remaining amount of oil over your shrimp. Once vegetables are softened pull them out and place the shrimp on top of them. Continuing cooking until the shrimp are cooked through, about 5-10 minutes. Then you can place the mixture in a corn tortilla. Top with fresh avocado, cilantro, and hot sauce.

12. Loaded Chicken and Quinoa Salad

Grill a chicken breast and cook a cup of quinoa. Grab a bag of mixed salad greens and dress it with half of an avocado, some baked sweet potato, and fresh mango slices. Add some of the breast and quinoa to the salad. Top with balsamic vinegar and some sunflower seeds. For extra flavor, you can add some crumbled feta cheese.

13. “Spaghetti” and Meatballs

If you want this classic, delicious dish, but want to lessen the calories. Swap the pasta for spaghetti squash. Place your oven at 350°F. Cut your squash lengthwise and discard any seeds or membranes within. Then place it in the oven, cut side down, in a large baking dish with some water. Bake for 45-50 minutes. While that is baking make your meatballs. Add two eggs, beaten, chopped spinach, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, minced onion, garlic, and ground meat of your choice to a bowl and mix. Shape them into balls and cook them on the stovetop. Once your squash is done, let it cool for 15 minutes and then scrape the “noodles” out. Place your meatballs on top, and if you want add roasted mushrooms and a fresh herb of your choice to the dish as well.

14. Shrimp Tacos

Another meal under 500 calories that utilizes those delicious corn tortillas. These shrimp tacos are easy and delicious to make! Pan-sear your shrimp with taco seasoning, olive oil, garlic, and a little cayenne pepper. While they are cooking, chop cilantro and thinly slice a radish. For a delicious sauce, combine lime juice, cilantro, onion, jalapeno, tahini, and honey. Blend all together and add to your tacos. Place the sauce on your tortilla then place the shrimp. Top with fresh cilantro and radishes.

15. Mahi Mahi and Quinoa Salad

Coat your mahi mahi with lemon juice, fresh thyme, garlic, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Bake it in the oven at 400°F for 20 minutes. While your fish is baking prepare your quinoa. To add color and flavor to the salad, add sweet red peppers, fresh cilantro, olive oil, salt, and some feta cheese.

16. Ground Turkey Stir-Fry

Grab a medley of vegetables, such as baby corn, asparagus, red bell peppers, and mushrooms. Wash and chop them into bite-size pieces. Season your ground turkey with salt, pepper, garlic, and onion powder. Place your ground turkey in a skillet over medium-high heat with your olive oil. Cook until browned. Then add all of your vegetables to the skillet with your meat. Add soy sauce, and a little teriyaki sauce and let it simmer until vegetables soften. Top with fresh cilantro and basil.

17. One Pan Chicken Bake

On a baking sheet, place your chicken, asparagus, carrots, and sliced golden potatoes. Coat them in lemon, fresh dill, parsley, salt, pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Bake them for 15 minutes at 375 °F. Garnish with fresh lemon slices.

18. Beef Buddha Bowl

Chop your top round steak into bite-size pieces. Cook in a skillet over medium-high heat with a little olive oil, salt, pepper, taco seasoning, and soy sauce. While the meat is cooking, cook brown rice. Next, chop a red bell pepper, a cucumber, and some fresh cilantro. Place the rice at the bottom of your bowl. Then layer the spinach and chopped vegetables. Place your beef on top and garnish with your chopped cilantro. Dress with lime juice and sea salt.

19. Homemade Vegetable Soup

Dice onions carrots and celery. Saute them in a large pot with olive oil for 5 minutes, add garlic then cook one minute longer. Then add vegetable broth, tomatoes, potatoes, parsley, bay leaves, thyme, and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil then add in green beans. Reduce heat to medium and allow to simmer for 30 minutes until all vegetables are tender.

20. Stuffed Acorn Squash

Slice your acorn squash and remove any seeds and lining from within. Place your squash, cut side down, in a baking dish with water. Cook at 400°F, uncovered for 45 minutes. In a skillet cook the ground meat of your choice, with salt, pepper, onion, and garlic powder. Take your squash out of the oven. Stuff your acorn squash with fresh mozzarella cheese, spinach, cherry tomatoes, and your ground meat. Drizzle olive oil on top and season with more salt and pepper. Place it back in the oven and bake for 5-10 minutes more or until cheese has fully melted.

21. Bourbon Glazed Salmon

Combine bourbon, maple syrup, soy sauce, and garlic in a bowl. Cover both sides of your salmon filets with the mixture. Cook in the skillet for 8-10 minutes, flipping once halfway through. Top with fresh chives. Serve with a side of salad.

22. Shrimp and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Another delicious stir-fry variation for a meal under 500 calories. In a skillet cook your shrimp with 1 tbsp of butter, salt, garlic, and paprika. Once shrimp are cooked add your broccoli to the skillet. Add soy sauce and fresh ginger. Simmer until your broccoli softens. Place the mixture over a bed of brown rice and garnish with fresh scallions.

23. Chicken Burrito Skillet

For this recipe, picture a burrito, but without the tortilla. Season your chicken how you would for tacos. Salt, pepper, taco seasoning, and olive oil. Cook over medium-high heat in a skillet. Then, once mostly cooked, add your Spanish rice, black beans, sliced tomatoes, Mexican blend cheese, and fresh scallions. Stir to combine and continue to simmer until flavors blend and meat is cooked through. For an extra kick, top with hot sauce. Also, feel free to top with a dollop of sour cream or fresh avocado slices.

24. Chicken Buddah Bowl

Chop your chicken into bite-size pieces. Cook over medium-high heat on a skillet with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic, honey, siracha, and coconut aminos. While your chicken is cooking, wash some sugar snap peas, red cabbage (sliced), cherry tomatoes, and fresh corn. Cook white rice and serve it on the bottom of the bowl. Then place your corn, cherry tomatoes, red cabbage, and sugar snap peas around the edges of the bowl. Place your chicken in the center, on top. Garnish with fresh cilantro and sesame seeds. If you need more sauce, add a little more coconut aminos to your bowl and fresh lime juice.

25. Fresh Fruit and Kale Salad

Stem and chop your curly kale. Massage the kale in a bowl with your hands Then add in goat cheese, pecans, blueberries, sliced strawberries, almonds, and edamame. In a smaller bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, chives, honey, and mustard. Mix well and pour over your salad, toss to combine.

26. One Bake Chicken

Wash and chop two leeks, 1 butternut squash, and scallions. Place them at the bottom of a baking dish. Pour one can of coconut milk into the dish along with diced fresh sage leaves. Cut your chicken into bite-size pieces and season with salt and pepper. Place on top of the mixture in the dish. Bake in the oven for 30 minutes at 350°F.

27. Mediterranean Bowl

Prepare and cook the orzo. Grill your chicken, with some light seasoning of your preference. Wilt spinach with some olive oil and garlic. In a bowl place your orzo as the base, then your chicken. Add your wilted spinach, cherry tomatoes, and feta cheese. Season with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Garnish with fresh basil.

28. Mushroom and Tofu Stirfry

Add peanut oil to a skillet and allow it to heat. Add mushrooms and chopped bell peppers to the skillet and stir occasionally for about 5 minutes. Next, add chopped scallions, fresh ginger, and garlic. Cook for an additional minute then remove from heat and transfer to a bowl. Add more oil and the tofu to the pan. Season with salt and pepper and cook until the tofu browns. Then, add the vegetables back in add a little oyster and soy sauce. Cook for one more minute.

28. Citrus Ginger Chicken Salad

Marinate your chicken breasts in a premade citrus sauce. I recommend Wegmans Spicy Citrus Ginger sauce. Cook your chicken on the stovetop over medium-high heat. Once the chicken has cooled, slice it into strips. To create your salad, place a bed of lettuce down. Then top it with red cabbage, matchstick carrots, chopped cashews, diced scallions, and orange slices. Place your chicken on top and garnish with fresh sesame seeds. You can drizzle a nice citrus vinaigrette on top.

29. Turkey Patties With Salad

In a bowl, combine ground turkey, dijon mustard, chopped bell peppers, basil, diced onion, chopped spinach, and soy sauce. Also add salt, pepper, garlic, and fresh ginger. Add one egg and some breadcrumbs. Mix well. Form the mixture into balls and flatten it into patties. Cook on the stovetop. Serve with a bed of fresh spinach.

30. Curry Chickpea Salad

This meal under 500 calories is the perfect addition to any party. In a bowl, mix olive oil, curry powder, garlic, turmeric, fresh lime juice, and salt and pepper. In a large jar, pour that sauce onto the bottom. Then dump a can of chickpeas into the jar. Add diced onions. Next layer diced red bell peppers and sliced carrots to the jar. After, add red cabbage and sliced almonds. Top with golden raisins and fresh cilantro. When ready to serve, flip the jar over into a large bowl and mix well.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Creative Cat Studio/Shutterstock.com.

The post 30 Easy-to-Make Meals Under 500 Calories appeared first on Moms Who Think.

Pulled pork is the unofficial “star” of traditional barbecue. Don't get us wrong — bring on the brisket, chicken wings, and ribs, too. We're here for all of it. But there's something about the tender, tangy taste of pulled pork that elicits nostalgic childhood memories of backyard gatherings and family picnics. Of course, pulled pork is nothing without its sidekicks! From baked beans and macaroni salads to homemade pickles and “cowboy caviar,” here are thirteen tasty options to turn to when you're looking for all the flavor without all the fat content (or in some cases, without excessive sodium and sugar!).

VEGGIES

Roasted Cauliflower with Garlic

Easy preparation and simple flavors prevail here. This side dish only consists of six ingredients! Fresh rosemary and garlic add just the right amount of flavor and seasoning to offset the delicate taste of roasted cauliflower.

Homemade Pickles

You can't go wrong with these simple, sugar-free refrigerator pickles. Great for using up those end-of-summer cucumbers that are threatening to overstay their welcome in your vegetable drawer, they are great for layering on pulled pork sandwiches or serving alongside them. With plenty of fresh dill, garlic cloves, whole peppercorns, onion, and vinegar, this recipe isn't complicated … and it's certainly tasty.

SALADS

Fresh Asparagus and Avocado Salad

Though it may initially sound like an unlikely pair, asparagus and avocado combine to create the perfect creamy and crunchy side dish. There are plenty of other healthy ingredients in this salad, too, including tomatoes, mushrooms, zucchini, and a tangy Dijon dressing.

Broccoli Salad

There's something alluring about a broccoli salad — the way it balances salty and sweet components along with creamy and crunchy ones. This salad's preparation isn't labor-intensive, and ingredients like broccoli and sunflower seeds will up your daily vitamin consumption (with a little bacon thrown in for good measure!). Additionally, the yogurt dressing adds a creamy element that blends it together.

Kale Salad

This simple kale salad is a massive dose of vitamins and fiber with the tang of lemon and a touch of sweetness, thanks to golden raisins (or dried cranberries, depending on your preference!). And not that it doesn't add that extra “je ne sais quoi,” but you can certainly skip the parmesan cheese if you're looking to go dairy-free or remove a calorie-enhancing ingredient.

Potato Salad

The standout feature of this particular potato salad might just be its greenery. Quite literally. The dish offers everything from chives, parsley, and dill to celery and green bell peppers. Throw in some Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, and spices, and you've got yourself a great accompaniment.

BEANS

Cowboy Caviar

It's true, this side dish is brimming with many other wonderful ingredients aside from beans, including avocado (“good” fats), red pepper, corn, jalapeño, and cilantro. But the reality is that the black beans in “cowboy caviar” (or “Texas Caviar” as it is sometimes referred to) offer up the protein you need to feel satiated.

Lemon-Basil Three-Bean Salad

This plant-based dish offers up a beautiful mixture of chickpeas, white beans, black beans, lemon, cherry tomatoes, basil, and so much more. It's just hearty enough to work in the fall, and just fresh enough to be the perfect side for summer, too!

PASTA

Vegan and Gluten-Free Pesto Pasta

Pesto is one of those savory pasta sauces that always wows — whether on its own or accompanying the main dish. This particular recipe includes vegan pesto, gluten- or grain-free pasta, and cherry tomatoes for an acidic element.

One-Pot Healthy Orzo

This fabulous side dish is chock full of veggies — essentially, it's delivering one giant dose of vitamins to your system. From chickpeas and spinach to zucchini and fresh parsley, it's a great way to take in some vegetables and also fill up.

… AND MORE

Healthy Stuffed Potatoes

Subbing lower calorie ingredients such as low-fat cottage cheese, low-fat milk, and margarine for the standard butter, cream, and sour cream additions, this stuffed potato dish offers a filling, delicious way to enjoy potatoes without the extra fluff. It even has a bit of hot sauce for a tasty kick!

Roasted Sweet Potatoes

While a brown sugar-and-marshmallow-topped casserole or butter-filled mashed sweet potatoes might be delicious, it's not the healthiest approach. This sweet potato recipe offers a lighter take by tossing the sweet potatoes in some olive oil and seasoning, then roasting them.

Classic Coleslaw

This Whole30-friendly coleslaw is a great way to enjoy a classic pulled pork side without overdoing it. It also happens to be low-carb and Paleo-friendly! Made with a homemade dressing, it's perfectly creamy while still offering a healthy alternative!

The image featured at the top of this post is ©KarepaStock/Shutterstock.com.

The post 13 Healthy Sides for Pulled Pork – From Beans to Pasta appeared first on Moms Who Think.

Throwing a rack of barbecued ribs on the grill is one of summer's most highly anticipated culinary endeavors. Of course, ribs aren't a summer exclusive; they can be enjoyed all year round! Even better, they're typically accompanied by some stellar sidekicks that are filling, tasty, and even nostalgic—no matter the season. If you're searching for some healthy new side dishes to add to your rib-roasting repertoire, we've got you covered. Here are 14 healthy sides to accompany your next ribs feast—from fresh salads and roasted veggies to smoky selections that will have your mouth watering.

The Classics

Collard Greens

There's nothing cozier than a giant pot of greens simmering on the stovetop, right? Here are several health-conscious ways to cook greens (did you know greens can be grilled?) without all of the extra sodium and calories.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are always a hit, and incorporating a bit of garlic only adds to the flavor profile. This recipe offers a healthier take than the typical butter-laden iterations, by using skim milk and avoiding butter altogether — a great way to enjoy a classic dish without all of the fat content!

Baked Beans

Baked beans have long been a go-to side dish when we're searching for something hearty and delicious. Not to mention, they pack a serious protein punch! This recipe uses maple syrup and Dijon mustard to replace the sugary condiments that often form the foundation of a baked bean dish.

Greek Yogurt Coleslaw

To be fair, any coleslaw that isn't chock full of mayonnaise and sugar is a step in the right direction when it comes to a healthy side dish. This particular coleslaw substitutes fat-heavy mayo with Greek yogurt, and sugar with honey. It also offers up some clean (low-carb, vegetarian, and gluten-free) eating with tons of veggies, parsley, apple cider vinegar, and more. Yum!

Gluten-Free Cornbread

Whether you're on a gluten-free diet or not, this cornbread recipe offers a healthier take on traditional cornbread by subbing in shortening and buttermilk and forgoing some of the sugar content. It's also vegetarian!

Salads

Potato Salad

For a healthy potato salad that celebrates tubers without drenching them in mayonnaise and other saturated fats, this recipe is perfection. Plus, dill and green onions add just the right depth of flavor.

Watermelon and Feta Salad

There's just something intriguing about the combination of crisp, summery watermelon and creamy feta. Throw in some fresh cucumber and top it with a mint-lime dressing, and you won't be disappointed.

Greek Salad

While there may be quite a number of ingredients in this salad, each one of them serves an essential (and tasty!) purpose. The ideal Mediterranean side dish, this healthy salad includes everything from tomato wedges, red onion rings, and green pepper to tangy Kalamata olives, creamy feta cheese, and homemade dressing.

Crunchy “Detox” Salad

Made with an abundance of fresh ingredients such as broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, almonds, sunflower seeds, ginger, and honey, this salad is an immunity-boosting, detoxifying, energy-intensifying side dish that happens to be delicious! Did we mention it's also vegetarian, gluten-free, and Paleo-friendly?

Veggies

Roasted Asparagus with Feta Cheese

This side dish of crisp asparagus is seasoned with everything from lemon zest and parsley to red pepper flakes and garlic, then topped with feta and roasted. It's quick, easy, and tasty, too.

10-Minute Miso Corn on the Cob

Topped with flavorful, plant-based ingredients such as white miso, tamari, vegan butter, maple syrup, cilantro, and lime juice, this corn on the cob will add some unconventional umami to your meal!

Roasted Green Beans

A very simple dish that perfectly complements ribs, these green beans only have four ingredients. Talk about an easy accompaniment! Not to mention, green beans are an incredibly healthy addition to your diet, as they are chock full of protein, fiber, potassium, folate, and vitamin C.

Smoky Sides

Chipotle Honey-Roasted Carrots

Chipotle is a wonderful ingredient that'll put a little pep in your step. This wonderfully sweet and spicy side dish is both gluten-free and Paleo-friendly, and it's no secret that carrots are full of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

Smoky Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Vegan, soy-free, and gluten-free, this dish is smoky, savory, and good for you, too! With smoked paprika, thyme, garlic, and a pinch of cayenne pepper balanced out by maple syrup, these Brussels sprouts offer just the right amount of heat.

Recipe Card

Now that you have some delicious sides, try a tasty recipe for ribs. Enjoy!

Sweet and Sour Barbecued Baby Back Ribs

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• Author: MomsWhoThink.com

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Ingredients

Units USM

• 1 1/4 cup ketchup
• 3/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 4 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1 small onion, chopped
  1/2 teaspoon salt
  1/2 teaspoon pepper
  6 pounds baby back ribs

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Instructions

1. Mix together the ketchup, water, honey, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, onion, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Prepare a charcoal grill, and cook ribs over medium-hot coals, turning occasionally. Brush ribs with sauce after each turn.
4. Cook ribs until desired doneness.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Teri Virbickis/Shutterstock.com.

The post 14 Healthy Sides for Ribs—From Smoky Sides to Salad appeared first on Moms Who Think.

When you push your cart down the produce aisle at your local grocery store, have you ever noticed all the different options in the leafy green section? What's up with all the lettuce and cabbage choices? Is one healthier than the other? Are all types of lettuce the same? And how is cabbage different?

While green cabbage and iceberg lettuce may appear similar, cabbage is a more nutritious option. But that's not all that sets these two leafy green vegetables apart.

From taste to texture and how they're used in the kitchen, there are many differences between cabbage and iceberg lettuce. Here's everything you need to know.

What is Cabbage?

While cabbage appears similar to lettuce, it's actually a cruciferous vegetable and part of the Brassicaceae family, similar to broccoli, kale, and cauliflower. This leafy vegetable can be grown in many different colors as well, including purple and red along with green. Additionally, there are variations like Chinese cabbage and savoy.

When spotting a cabbage at your grocery store, you'll notice that it's very round and has a short, almost nonexistent stem. It will also have a strong smell, and when prepared, it has a strong flavor. Cabbage can be used as a fresh ingredient in dishes like coleslaw, or it can be steamed and added to stew. Pickled cabbage is used to make sauerkraut and kimchi.

How to Choose Fresh Cabbage at the Store

The next time you shop for cabbage, be sure to look for a head that's firm and heavy when held. You'll also want to be sure the leaves are green without brown spots or blemishes. Cabbage is a biannual crop, so you'll find the freshest heads when it's in season between November and April.

What is Iceberg Lettuce?

Unlike cabbage, iceberg lettuce is not a cruciferous vegetable and instead belongs to the Asteraceae family. There are many different types of lettuce including romaine, which grows in long leaves, red leaf, and butterhead to name a few. Iceberg, however, is a common leafy lettuce that's round in shape.

Iceberg looks similar to cabbage in that both are sold as a “head” and have short stems, but iceberg has a lighter green color and its leaves aren't as tightly wrapped around the center. This lettuce is also a crunchy and healthy addition to salads, sandwiches, and wraps.

How to Choose Fresh Iceberg Lettuce at the Store

Look for a head of iceberg lettuce that's medium green in color. Also, be sure to check that the leaves aren't browning or wilting. Iceberg is an annual crop that's available year-round.

Cabbage vs. Iceberg Lettuce: What are the Differences?

As mentioned, cabbage and iceberg appear similar in the store when sitting next to each other. But the similarities end there. Here are five key differences between these two leafy vegetables:

Origin

Cabbage has a lengthy history as a cruciferous vegetable. According to Britannica, cabbage farming and production dates back to the European Middle Ages. Softer cabbages like Savoy are thought to have originated even before that.

Iceberg lettuce, on the other hand, has an intriguing history. While the exact origins of iceberg lettuce aren't clear, Produce Services of Los Angeles states that George Ballas, a horticulturist in California discovered this lettuce variation and coined its name in 1894. The name “iceberg” hailed from its crunchy texture and icey coloring. However, the name grew to include how the produce was shipped from California to the rest of the country in the 1920s. While the lettuce was growing in popularity, it was discovered that it could easily withstand shipment to various parts of the country by being placed in a refrigerated railcar packed with ice.

Growth and Production

Both of these vegetables have differing origin stories because of the climate they grow in. Cabbage grows easier in cooler climates and struggles to withstand heat, while iceberg lettuce grows well in warmer climates. Additionally, cabbage is a biannual plant that is harvested twice a year. Lettuce is an annual plant that's only harvested once a year.

The Agricultural Marketing Resource Center also reports that cabbage production typically occurs in the fall, winter, and spring months in southern states of the U.S. Its production is extended into the summer in Northern states due to the cooler summer temps.

Taste

Take one bite of cabbage and you'll immediately notice it's different than iceberg lettuce! Cabbage is known for its strong and sharp, peppery flavoring while iceberg has a mild, almost bland flavor. This is due to the amount of water that's included in each vegetable. While both veggies have higher water content than many other foods, cabbage has less water content than iceberg lettuce.

Texture

Cabbage is known for its crunch. Whichever part of the head of cabbage you're consuming, the vegetable will be crunchy throughout. Iceberg, on the other hand, has a crunchy stem but softer leaves. This is also due to its higher water content.

Culinary Use

Because of its crunchy texture and strong flavor, cabbage can withstand different cooking methods. The vegetable can be steamed or boiled and is often pickled. The only time you may find cabbage raw is after it's shredded as a topping for salads or in coleslaw.

Iceberg lettuce, however, is softer in texture and therefore doesn't hold up to many cooking methods. It's typically consumed raw in a salad or as a topping for burgers and sandwiches.

Cabbage vs. Iceberg Lettuce: Nutritional Value

Both cabbage and iceberg lettuce are vegetables that are low in calories due to their water content. While they are both seen as healthy, low-calorie food items that are high in fiber, cabbage packs a punch nutritionally. Green cabbage is especially known for its high amounts of vitamins K and C.

Health Benefits of Cabbage and Iceberg Lettuce

Beyond being low in calories, both cabbage and iceberg lettuce are leafy greens that offer vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber. These nutrients can lead to several health benefits, including:

• Reduced inflammation. Antioxidants present in green vegetables can help to maintain inflammation and keep it from becoming a chronic problem.
• Improved digestion. High amounts of insoluble fiber found in these vegetables help to keep the digestive system healthy and functioning properly.
• Heart health. Cabbage and lettuce have essential nutrients that can help to reduce the risk of strokes and heart attacks. Additionally, their lower caloric intake leads to weight management, overall improving heart health.

Can You Substitute Cabbage with Iceberg Lettuce?

In certain situations, you can substitute cabbage with iceberg lettuce! Cabbage has a similar crunch and appearance to its leafy counterpart. Keep in mind, however, that it has a stronger flavor and can be tougher in texture. If you're using cabbage as a substitute for iceberg in a recipe, you may want to consider shredding and cooking it a bit before making the swap. You may want to use less cabbage than lettuce as well, due to cabbage's more pungent taste.

Best Substitutes for Cabbage

For best results, there are a few other veggies that may be a better substitute for green cabbage. These include:

• Brussels sprouts
• Bok Choy
• Kale
• Celery
• Other varieties of cabbage

Best Substitutes for Iceberg Lettuce

Iceberg is softer in texture and has a milder flavor. If you're in a pinch, try substituting it with these veggies instead:

• Leaf lettuce
• Spinach
• Romaine lettuce
• Kale
• Swiss chard

Cabbage vs. Iceberg Lettuce: Which One Will You Choose?

While these leafy green vegetables appear similar, they have many other differences including taste, texture, production, and how they're used in the kitchen. If you're looking to add cooked vegetables to your meal, give cabbage a try. If you're looking for a light and fresh, crispy crunch, on the other hand, iceberg may be a better fit. Whichever you choose, these vegetables will pack a punch in both nutrients and taste!

Tasty Cabbage Recipe

While cabbage does have a distinct taste, it has quite a few health benefits. To get those much-needed nutrients, try adding it to a dish for a well-balanced meal, like this one:

Sausage, Potato, and Cabbage Stir-Fry

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• Author: MomsWhoThink.com
• Total Time: 30 minutes

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Ingredients

• 1 pound bulk pork sausage
• 3 to 4 potatoes, peeled and cubed (about 3 cups)
• 4 carrots, sliced thin or diced (optional)
• 1/2 cup water
• Salt and pepper
• 6 cups coarsely chopped cabbage

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Instructions

1. Brown sausage in a large skillet. Drain off drippings.
2. Add potatoes, carrots if you wish, and water to the meat in a skillet.
3. Stir up the browned drippings from the bottom of the skillet and mix through the meat and vegetables.
4. Cover and cook until vegetables are almost tender.
5. Add cabbage and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
6. Cover and cook for 5-8 minutes or until cabbage and potatoes are tender, stirring several times to prevent sticking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stir-Frying
• Cuisine: Fusion

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Zb89V/Shutterstock.com.

The post Cabbage vs. Iceberg Lettuce: 5 Key Differences and a Nutritional Breakdown appeared first on Moms Who Think.

Breakfast is one of the most important meals of the day; some people enjoy waking up to a hot, savory one, while others down hot coffee and call it good. Many breakfast choices exist, from hot and tasty sausage and eggs to fluffy chocolate chip pancakes. No matter what your favorite type of breakfast is, sometimes you want to add a healthy side dish with excellent health benefits to start the day right! This article will cover some fantastic healthy sides for breakfast that you will want to eat all the time. 

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Healthy Sides For Breakfast

From eggs and tomatoes to fruit and a slice of bread, this article contains many delicious and healthy sides you can enjoy for breakfast. 

1. Green Chili Breakfast

• Calories: 255
• Fat: 20 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g

One of the go-to dishes for breakfast is an egg. Eggs are full of excellent health benefits all on their own, including protein, iron, and potassium. Although they can be pretty tasty alone, this green chili breakfast recipe takes it up a notch. It includes tomatoes, chilis, cheese, and eggs, creating a tasty and hearty side dish. 

2. Baked English Omelette

• Calories: 400
• Fat: 40 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g

Omelette's are popular because they can be tweaked to fit your needs and likes. There are omelettes made only of egg whites, omelettes with only cheese, and others packed with excellent vegetables and other beneficial ingredients for one's health. This baked English omelette contains eggs, cheese, bacon, and onions, keeping it simple yet offering plenty of nutritional benefits. 

3. Breakfast Sausage Bake

• Calories: 456
• Fat: 281 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g

Sausage and eggs are often cooked together because they make a hearty breakfast. The added nutrition keeps you filling full; together, they give you plenty of protein. Try this breakfast sausage bake if you are looking for a hearty yet unique side for breakfast. 

4. Healthy Make-Ahead French Toast

• Calories: 460
• Fat: 23 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g

French toast is a sweet breakfast that many kids and adults love. The versatility of French toast allows one to dress it up however they want with fruit, powdered sugar, or maple syrup. This French toast recipe also allows you to make it ahead of time, perfect for busy moms and families everywhere! 

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5. Healthy Rice Cereal Breakfast

• Calories: 250
• Fat: 2 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 g

If you are a fan of breakfast cereal but prefer rice over oatmeal, try this recipe. The cinnamon and sugar give a sweet flavor, yet the recipe only uses 1% milk, making it a bit healthier. Additionally, you can tweak this recipe to make it even healthier. 

6. Copycat Cracker Barrel Hash Brown Casserole

• Calories: 380
• Fat: 26 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g

It can be hard to beat a delicious side of hash brown casserole. If you have ever been to Cracker Barrel, you may know that their hash brown casserole is among the most raved around. Try your hand at this copycat cracker barrel hash brown casserole. While it is higher in calories, it contains significant nutritional benefits that can help you start your day right! 

7. Healthy Rice Pudding

• Calories: 142
• Fat: 2 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g

Rice pudding is just as tasty as rice cereal. This specific recipe uses whole milk, so it contains more calories. However, it is simple to cook and is very hearty and filling, perfect for first thing in the morning! 

9. Healthy Crispy Potato

• Calories: 170
• Fat: 5 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g

Potatoes are filling and contain plenty of nutritional benefits that are great in the day's first meal. The ingredients in this recipe are also simple, including potatoes, seasoning, and vegetable oil. While simple, the flavor is zesty and delicious, making it a great side dish for any breakfast meal! 

10. Best Ratatouille

• Calories: 297
• Fat: 21 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g

Ratatouille is a savory and tasty side dish that uses an array of delicious vegetables such as zucchini, onion, and eggplant. The nutritional benefits of these vegetables are perfect first thing in the morning. Additionally, the calories are kept lower because of the type of vegetables in the recipe. If you are looking for a new and tasty side dish filling for breakfast, try this one! 

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11. Creamy Fruit Salad

• Calories: 100
• Fat: 3 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g

Fruit is a natural sweetener that kids and adults both love. Try this creamy fruit salad recipe if you have a sweet tooth, and enjoy it first thing in the morning. It contains cantaloupe, grapes, strawberries, apples, oranges, and more, with whipped topping and coconut. Give your family a burst of sweetness and texture with this fun and delectable recipe. 

12. Apple Coffee Cake

• Calories: 196
• Fat: 8 g
• Carbohydrates 31 g

Sometimes, a good old coffee cake is one of the best sides or main dishes for breakfast. This apple coffee cake is under 200 calories a serving and contains less sodium. If you enjoy the coffee cake as a breakfast meal or simply as a side, this is easy to make and quite delicious! 

13. Healthy Cabbage and Tomato Salad

• Calories: 43
• Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 7 g

This cabbage and tomato salad is low in calories and contains plenty of flavor. Whether you are a fan of cabbage or not, trying this recipe may delight your taste buds just the same. With simple seasonings like pepper and salt, rice vinegar, and cilantro, this salad is refreshing, crunchy, and delightful next to eggs, sausage, or any other savory meal for breakfast. 

14. Healthy Sunshine Rice

• Calories: 276
• Fat: 6 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g

This healthy sunshine rice recipe is under 300 calories and full of flavor. The hot sauce gives it a zing that many people enjoy. However, you can omit this ingredient if you aren't a fan of heat! 

15. Healthy Banana Nut Bread

• Calories: 133
• Fat: 5 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g

Banana nut bread may seem like an unhealthy breakfast meal. However, this specific recipe is under 200 calories. You can enjoy bananas and pecans' complex flavor and texture while keeping your calorie intake lower. The benefits of banana nut bread include potassium, vitamin C, and B6.

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16. Healthy Carrot Raisin Bread

• Calories: 99
• Fat: 3 g
• Carbohydrates: 17 g

Carrot raisin bread is another bread that is perfect for breakfast. It is under 100 calories a serving and contains delicious seasonings like cinnamon and allspice while offering plenty of nutrition. Some health benefits you receive from carrots include potassium, vitamin C, and B6. 

17. Healthy Rice and Pasta Pilaf

• Calories: 208
• Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g

This healthy rice and pasta pilaf is simple yet hearty. It contains rice and pasta, making it a filling side dish for breakfast. It has fantastic flavors like white pepper, chicken stock, and onions. So, if you love robust dishes for breakfast, this is a must-try. 

18. Roasted Sweet Potatoes

• Calories: 180
• Fat: less than 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 41 g

Sweet potatoes are often a healthier alternative to typical potatoes. They have a mildly sweet flavor, are versatile, and can be eaten anytime. This roasted sweet potato recipe is simple and filling to make first thing in the morning! 

19. Peppery Cheese and Veggie Potato Skillet

• Calories: 284 
• Fat: 14 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g

One of the best ways to eat vegetables and potatoes is with a skillet recipe. It allows the flavors to melt into one another and can be savory in the end. If you want a great side to eat alongside meat or eggs, give this peppery cheese and veggie potato skillet recipe a chance.

20. The Best Roasted Tomatoes

• Calories: 127
• Fat: 7 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g

Roasted potatoes are low in calories and contain excellent health benefits like potassium, fiber, and folate. If you love tomatoes, add them to your breakfast meal plan with these roasted tomatoes. 

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Elena Veselova/Shutterstock.com.

The post 20 Healthy Sides for Breakfast – from Tomatoes to Egg Dishes appeared first on Moms Who Think.

Spaghetti is one of those family classic meals. The ingredients are relatively cheap, and many people enjoy Italian cuisine! One of the characteristics of a good spaghetti dinner is that it can be delicious all on its own or with a side of garlic bread. However, sometimes you are looking for that specific kick, one side that will take your dinner to the next level. It also helps if the side is healthy! This article is going to explore different healthy sides for spaghetti. Get ready to find your next favorite complementary dish this week to add to your dinner list. 

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Healthy Sides for Spaghetti

Whether potatoes, vegetables, bread, or something different, there are many side options to add to your weekly spaghetti night dinner. Since spaghetti is an Italian dish, it pairs well with bread, which we see often with garlic bread sides. However, it can also be delicious alongside a vegetable such as green beans or peas. There are also excellent fruit choices and salad options on this list. Take a look at the great healthy sides for spaghetti below.  

Disclaimer: The approximate nutritional facts for calories, fat, and carbohydrates are below each recipe.

1. Healthy Stuffed Potatoes

• Calories: 113
• Fat: 3 g
• Carbohydrates: 17 g

Although the name itself doesn't sound super healthy, there is just something about these healthy stuffed potatoes! They can be an excellent substitute for bread and are pretty filling. What's more, potatoes come with fantastic health benefits, such as antioxidants and fiber. 

2. Healthy Garlic Mashed Potatoes

• Calories: 142
• Fat: less than 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g

Mashed potatoes aren't one of those sides where you automatically think “healthy.” However, these garlic mashed potatoes are lower in calories and fat but still high in beneficial vitamins like potassium and fiber. These healthy garlic mashed potatoes utilize skim milk over heavy cream, making them healthier and allowing you to receive all the fantastic benefits of potatoes. 

3. Healthy Lemon Vegetable

• Calories: 22
• Fat: 2 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g

There's so much to love about this healthy lemon vegetable recipe. For starters, it is low-calorie. Also, the lemon juice and garlic give it a unique and delicious flavor that pairs well with a savory dish. If you are a cauliflower and broccoli fan, try this recipe! 

4. Fall Vegetable Brussels Sprouts

• Calories: 38
• Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g

Brussels Sprouts, you either hate them or love them. There is little of an in-between. When cooked just right, brussels sprouts can be a healthy and flavorful side for adults and kids. 

5. Fall Vegetable Broccoli

• Calories: 113
• Fat: 21 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g

This broccoli side is healthy and tasty, using seasonings, low-sodium broth, and vegetables like mushrooms. Whether you are a fan of broccoli or eat it for the health benefits over the taste, this side dish dresses up the broccoli. This means you can enjoy the flavor and the health benefits all in one! 

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6. Healthy Smothered Greens

• Calories: 80
• Fat: 2 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g

Smothered greens are a great complement to spaghetti. First, the seasoning and flavor added to this recipe are unique yet flavorful. Second, there are so many health benefits to greens! These include vitamins A, C, and K. These antioxidants carry many benefits, including being beneficial for pregnant women, blood clotting, and heart health. 

7. Healthy Italian Vegetable Bake

• Calories: 27
• Fat: less than 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g

This Italian vegetable bake combines onions, tomatoes, peppers, okra, and green beans with various seasonings and flavors. The result is a deliciously low-calorie bake that makes an excellent side to any dish, especially spaghetti. With all these vegetables' added health benefits, you can feel good about adding this recipe to your weeknight meal plan. 

8. Best Healthy Sautéed Green Bean Recipe

• Calories: 64
• Fat: Less than 4 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g

Green beans have plenty of health benefits, yet they can taste quite bland when cooked with no added ingredients. This sauteed green bean recipe plays on the natural flavors of the added ingredients to bring flavor to life, yet the green beans remain healthy and low calorie. This cooking style makes them a delicious and perfect side to spaghetti. 

9. Healthy Homestyle Biscuits

• Calories: 99
• Fat: less than 3 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g

Sometimes, the best side dish to spaghetti is bread. Whether you love garlic bread or biscuits, this side can be hard to beat! If you are craving carbohydrates yet want to keep it relatively healthy, try these healthy homestyle biscuits. The recipe uses 1% buttermilk, giving you a healthier version of the classic biscuit. 

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10. Healthy Rainbow Fruit Salad

• Calories: 96
• Fat:  1 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g

Fruit is among the best sides if you or your family have a sweet tooth. The natural sweetness of many fruits can satisfy that craving for sweets, yet the calories stay down, and the benefits increase. This healthy rainbow fruit salad will delight your kids; they may want you to make it every night! 

11. Crisp Summer Broccoli Salad

• Calories: 498
• Fat: 41 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g

Broccoli, bacon, onions, what's not to love about this delicious and crunchy summer broccoli salad? The refreshing bite and the tastiness make the perfect side dish to eat with anything, especially spaghetti! 

12. Sweet and Healthy Fruit Salad

• Calories: 140
• Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g

This fruit salad is another excellent addition to your family recipe book. The sweetness keeps your kids returning for more, yet the added health benefits of the apples, grapes, and yogurt benefit the entire family. 

13. Greek Salad

• Calories: 179
• Fat: 15 g
• Carbohydrates: 7 g

More popular healthy sides for spaghetti include salad. Change your salad up a bit and try this Greek salad recipe. With various ingredients such as onions, tomatoes, cheese, olives, and lemon juice, your taste buds will love the flavor! Additionally, greek salad is relatively low calorie and contains plenty of vitamins and minerals that we need daily. 

14. Crunchy Coleslaw

• Calories: 140
• Fat: 10 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g

There are many versions of coleslaw out there that can be both healthy and unhealthy. However, the cabbage in coleslaw will give you plenty of nutrients like fiber and vitamin C. Therefore, adding it to your weekly meal plan can improve your health! 

16. Cobb Salad

• Calories: 770
• Fat: 55 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g

Another popular salad that is healthy and quite filling is the Cobb salad. Packed with protein like chicken, tomatoes, onions, bacon, and hard-boiled eggs, many nutrients are crammed into one little bowl! You can feel good about adding this salad alongside your spaghetti because you will supply yourself and your family with protein, iron, vitamin D, and potassium. 

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17. Cherry Tomato Salad

• Calories: 192
• Fat: 5 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g

If you are a cherry tomatoes fan, try this salad! With tomatoes, lettuce, bacon, and a handful of seasonings, you and your family will love the unique flavor. Additionally, it requires minimal ingredients and seasonings that you most likely have on hand, making it a simple recipe to make as well! 

18. Caesar Salad

• Calories: 94
• Fat: 4 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g

Caesar salad can be understated. While it may appear simple, this salad contains fantastic flavor with added seasonings and liquid flavorings like lemon juice and Worcester sauce. If you are in the mood for simple yet healthy, try this Caesar salad recipe today. 

19. Carrot Raisin Salad

• Calories: 176
• Fat: 61 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g

Carrots and pineapple may seem odd, but this recipe takes simple ingredients and turns them into something unique. While it does contain added powdered sugar, the additional health benefits of the pineapple, carrots, and raisins make this a healthy and flavorful salad to try at least once in your life. 

20. Low Carb Garlic Bread

• Calories: 29
• Fat: Less than 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g

Of course, you cannot have spaghetti without having garlic bread. However, garlic bread doesn't have to pack on the calories. This low-carb garlic bread allows you to reap fantastic health benefits, keep the carbs low, and enjoy a classic. It's a win-win! This is a great choice if you are craving healthy sides for spaghetti that include bread.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Chatham172/Shutterstock.com.

The post 20 Healthy Sides for Spaghetti – Low-Calorie and Delicious appeared first on Moms Who Think.

Another Thanksgiving for the books and perhaps you’re already looking forward to next year’s. There’s so much one can learn about cooking turkey, for instance, how many minutes per pound should you actually cook a turkey? The general rule seems to be cooking each pound for 13 minutes at 350º F. These birds can range anywhere from 8-24 lbs, which calls for a very large oven, and lots of stuffing.

Speaking of stuffing, whether you cook your bird stuffed or empty also impacts the overall cooking time of the bird. And when did turkeys even become the star of the Thanksgiving meal? At this point, historians have discounted the story of a fully-cooked turkey at the “first Thanksgiving” in 1621.

Read on to learn a bit about the history of turkey day, including how cooking turkeys has evolved. We’ll discuss the tried and true methods for how many minutes per pound you should be cooking turkey. And we’ll take a look at the best techniques for cooking this bird, stuffing or no stuffing. Stick around as we get into the good stuff. By next Thanksgiving, you’ll be extra prepared to cook your turkey, pound by precious pound.

The History of Cooking Turkey

Did you know that wild turkeys were first domesticated around the year 10 B.C.? As far back as the ancient Aztecs, turkey has been harvested for its meat, eggs, and feathers. It was roasted as part of ceremonial feasts and when Spanish conquistadors and traders tried it, they wanted the bird for their own countries. A few turkeys made their way on the Mayflower voyage, which brought them into the United States. They became widespread but were so actively hunted by the 1930s that they were nearly extinct. Conservationists began to protect wild turkey sanctuaries, and more breeders took up domestic flocks as well (via Food Reference.com)

Modern-day turkeys are bred with larger breasts compared to their wild turkey ancestors. This is why you can find anywhere from 8-24-pound turkeys for sale in the freezer section! But why is the turkey the bird to buy for the third Thursday in November? Early in the first New England settlements, pilgrim Sarah Joseph Hale was roasting a turkey for her whole family. Thanksgiving was declared a national holiday by Abraham Lincoln in 1863, and it helped the cause that Benjamin Franklin tried to get the turkey declared the national bird of America. While the Eagle won out, by the 19th century, the turkey was cemented as the Thanksgiving holiday bird (via TIME Magazine).

Turkey By The Pound: A Breakdown

So, now that we know a bit about the history of turkey cooking, let's get into the meat of how to cook the meat. Most sources have the science of cooking turkey by the pound down to the metric of 13 minutes per pound at 350º Fahrenheit. This metric comes from Epicurious, Southern Living, and All Recipes, although this article recommends cooking the turkey at 20 minutes per pound at 375º instead of 350º. Another article notes baking the turkey at 325º for between 13-15 minutes per pound.

These numbers will also be impacted by the presence of stuffing in the turkey cavity versus no stuffing at all. According to Southern Living, the presence of stuffing increases the cooking time by a few minutes. So, if you have an 8-12 pound bird, without stuffing, you'll cook each pound for around 13 minutes at 350º, which means your cooking time is around 2 hours and 45 minutes to 3 hours on the longer side. With stuffing, that cook time increases to between 3 hours and 3 hours and 45 minutes.

A good general check is to use an internal thermometer to see if the turkey reads around 160º to 165º degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature indicates that the insides are properly cooked, killing any harmful bacteria contained in the raw turkey meat.

Ways To Cook A Turkey

There are quite a few ways to cook your turkey. We've covered the many options for temperature with oven-roasting. You can either slow-roast your turkey at 325º Fahrenheit or start off hot at 425º and then drop the heat to 350º. This is a more involved, but faster and crisped turkey experience (via Southern Living). You can air fry your turkey, preferably a turkey on the smaller side, at 350º. Or place it, seasoned, in a crockpot to simmer on low for around 8.5 hours. You can even take a stab at grilling the turkey. You'll need to preheat your oven to at least 450º Fahrenheit, and grill for between 2-3 hours. Deep frying is also an option. However, please be careful, you're dealing with hot oil and a rather large, unwieldy bird.

Turkey Recipes

Check out some of these great articles that will help you cook the best Thanksgiving turkey. We'll even throw in a few side dish ideas. Happy reading, and happy, eventual, Thanksgiving eating!

• How To Cook Turkey Perfectly, 4 Ways
• How To Cook A Turkey Perfectly, 2 Ways To Consider
• 26 Keto Thanksgiving Recipes
• Bread And Oyster Stuffing
• Green Onion And Cornbread Stuffing
• Wild Rice Stuffing

The image featured at the top of this post is ©DesignHolo/Shutterstock.com.

The post How Many Minutes Per Pound To Cook A Turkey Perfectly, 5 Ways To Cook appeared first on Moms Who Think.

Lasagna is a hearty dish that can fill you up all on its own. The classic side to go with lasagna is garlic bread. However, all the carbohydrates can leave you feeling stuffed and may also lead to a blood sugar spike. Look no further if you want the best healthy sides for lasagna. Below are some tasty sides that are healthy and low in calories, from salads to vegetables; we've got you covered. 

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Healthy Sides for Lasagna

Try one of these healthy sides for lasagna this week for your next Italian night.

1. Greek Salad Recipe

Greek salad is simple yet filling. This recipe pairs well with any Italian dish, especially lasagna, and will leave you feeling full, yet it is less heavy on the stomach. 

2. KFC Coleslaw Recipe

It can be hard to beat coleslaw! Try this one if you are looking for the perfect KFC coleslaw copycat recipe. 

3. Cucumber Salad

Cucumber is both healthy and delicious. Although the ingredients in this recipe are simple, they will leave anyone satisfied. You may even want to add it to your make-again list! 

4. Waldorf Salad Recipe

Although Waldorf salad is not your typical salad recipe, its sweetness perfectly complements lasagna. Using apples, lemon juice, celery, mayonnaise, raisins, and walnuts, you will have a unique and delicious salad to serve with dinner! If you are tired of the same old recipes, Waldorf salad is the perfect choice.

5. Ratatouille Recipe

Ratatouille isn't just a cartoon movie! It is a delicious side dish that pairs great with lasagna. The ingredients, tomatoes, onion, eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers, all pair together to make the perfect vegetable side dish that will leave you feeling light and satisfied. 

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6. Cherry Tomato Salad Recipe

The flavor in this cherry tomato salad recipe is both unique and tasty. If you want a light yet delicious new salad, give this one a chance! 

7. Caesar Salad Recipe

Caesar salad is a simple and underrated salad. It packs a punch with the many flavors and seasonings that it contains! The tasty flavor is perfect alongside a hearty lasagna. 

8. Crisp Summer Broccoli Salad

Sometimes, broccoli can feel monotonous. Dress it up in this crips summer broccoli salad recipe using numerous tasty ingredients. These include mayonnaise, bacon, vinegar, raisins, and nuts. You may want to try this recipe again and again! 

9. Cobb Salad Recipe

This delicious cobb salad has many characters that take center stage. These include bacon, onion, avocado, and eggs. Traditional Cobb salad typically contains chicken. However, you can omit this protein if you would like while eating alongside lasagna. However, if you enjoy plenty of meat, keeping it in can be filling and just as tasty! 

10. Healthy Garden Potato Salad Recipe

This potato salad is less than 200 calories a serving and has delicious flavor! 

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11. Sweet and Healthy Fruit Salad Recipe

Apples, bananas, yogurt, and more make a sweet and tasty side dish for any meal! 

12. Black Bean Salad Recipe

Tomatoes, black beans, and numerous tasty seasonings make the perfect black bean salad! Eat alongside any Italian dish for a filling and tasty meal. 

13. Healthy Stuffed Potatoes Recipe

Can stuffed potatoes be healthy? This recipe is under 200 calories per serving, so you can enjoy the tasty flavor of cheese and potatoes alongside lasagna.

14. Lemon Vegetable Recipe

Broccoli is a go-to vegetable when it comes to eating healthy. Add flavor with lemon and a handful of seasonings to this recipe. 

15. Healthy Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish to eat alongside lasagna. Yet, you can make them a bit healthier by using skim milk. Try this recipe for a tasty and healthier garlic mashed potatoes side. 

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16. Healthy Smothered Greens

Healthy and smothered don't seem like they should be used in the same sentence, yet that's precisely what you are getting in this recipe! Under 100 calories, these smothered greens are flavorful and complement lasagna. 

17. Sautéed Green Bean

Green beans are a classic, straightforward vegetable perfect for paring alongside numerous main dishes. Use this sauteed green recipe for a tasty side dish your kids will love just as much as you. 

18. Healthy Homestyle Biscuits

Carbohydrates are sometimes the best side to go with Italian dishes like lasagna. Yet, they can pack on the calories. These healthy homestyle biscuits are under 100 calories per serving, use 1% buttermilk, and are still quite delicious! 

19. Excellent and Healthy Cornbread Recipe

Did you know that cornbread could be healthy? This recipe comes in under 200 calories per serving and uses 1% buttermilk. So, you can have your classic cornbread in a healthier version. 

20. Healthy Rainbow Fruit Salad

Sometimes, fruit is the best side to eat with a hearty and filling meal. It is light, sweet, and can be adapted for any family. Use your favorite fruits or follow this recipe for a delicious rainbow fruit salad you and your kids will love! 

21. Peppery Cheese and Veggie Potato Skillet

Sometimes, potatoes just hit the right spot! This veggie potato skillet recipe implements fantastic flavors such as mushrooms, green pepper, onions, and cheese and will leave you feeling full and satisfied. 

22. Fresh Asparagus and Avocado Salad

Asparagus and avocado make a unique combination in this salad recipe. With an array of additional flavors, such as zucchini, garlic, mushrooms, lemon juice, and more, your taste buds will be soaring!

23. Fall Vegetable Brussels Sprouts Recipe

Brussels sprouts sometimes get a bad rap from kids and maybe even adults for being uninspired! Yet, they are a healthy vegetable and can be pretty yummy if cooked just right. Give this fall vegetable Brussels sprouts recipe a try; you may want to make it repeatedly.

24. Fall Vegetable Broccoli Recipe

Broccoli can feel a bit boring, but this recipe's flavor truly goes up a notch! With tasty seasoning, mushrooms, chicken broth, and more, you can take your vegetable side to a new level of tastiness. 

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25. Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes

Potatoes, carrots, and zucchini, what's not to love about this delicious side dish? 

The image featured at the top of this post is ©iStock.com/porosolka.

The post 25 Healthy Sides for Lasagna – Perfect Salad, Veggie & Low-Calorie Pairings appeared first on Moms Who Think.

Are you making tacos for dinner but looking for some delicious and healthy side dishes? From corn, rice, roasted veggies, and a variety of salads, there will be a recipe for you where you can enjoy all the great flavors of Mexican cuisine. Try any of these 25 healthy sides for tacos on your next taco night.

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Spanish Rice

Making Spanish rice with your tacos will be a classic side dish. If you ever get tacos at a Mexican restaurant, it's likely they will come with rice and beans. This recipe will help you make delicious rice just like you can get from the restaurant. Please note that this recipe is intended to be a main dish with chicken added, but you can remove the chicken to make it a side. It's made with onions, green peppers, tomato sauce, garlic, and seasonings.

Corn

This recipe is just about how you can make simple ol' corn. Making corn can be a great side for tacos if you're short on time. It's super easy to make but is delicious even without being done up. You can cook corn in a few different ways. You can boil it, roast it, or even microwave it.

Mexican Street Corn Salad

If you want to make your corn a little more fancy, try this spicy Mexican street corn salad. It's the perfect side dish to pair with tacos or even fajitas. And if you don't like spicy, don't worry, it can be made mild. It's made with corn, jalapeno, red onion, cilantro, mayonnaise, fresco cheese, fresh lime juice, and seasonings.

Black Bean Corn Salsa

Have you ever heard of cowboy caviar? That's what this black bean corn salsa is. It's super easy and just requires that you chop up some ingredients and mix them together with dressing and seasoning. It's made with black beans, corn, red onion, red bell pepper, scallions, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, and seasonings.

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Easy Cilantro Lime Slaw

This cilantro lime slaw recipe is super easy and can be ready in just 10 minutes. It's a light and fresh recipe that can work great as a side for tacos. It's also good to use on top of your tacos as well. The recipe calls for cole slaw mix, green onions, greek yogurt, cilantro, lime juice, fresh garlic, jalapeno, and seasonings.

Tomato Avocado Salad

Made with fresh ingredients, you'll want to make a lot of this tomato avocado salad because it can be addictive. This recipe is a cross between salsa and a salad and is a great summer side dish when all the vegetables are in season. It's made with tomatoes, avocado, red onion, cilantro, olive oil, lime, fresh garlic, and seasonings.

Quick and Easy Refried Beans

This is another staple recipe when you're making Mexican for dinner. These beans are super easy to make, and they are a healthier version of refried beans since technically these are not refried. This recipe is made with pinto beans, onions, fresh garlic, and seasonings.

Mexican Roasted Cauliflower

This Mexican roasted cauliflower recipe is great if you're looking for something that is paleo, vegan, gluten-free, and whole30-friendly. Cauliflower is a very healthy veggie, and this recipe will spice it up since cauliflower is very plain. You just need to mix up the cauliflower with olive oil, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and salt and pepper. Then, once it's cooked, you'll top it with cilantro, red onion, fresh lime juice, and avocado.

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Roasted Mexican Zucchini

This roasted Mexican zucchini is great if you're looking for a low-carb side dish. It also pulls together rather quickly in just 20 minutes. Slice the zucchini and then mix it together with olive oil, salt, pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and cumin. Cook it in the oven for 15 minutes and serve it with cotija cheese, cilantro, and lime juice.

Fresh Mango Salsa with Avocado

This mango avocado salsa is a delicious, colorful, spicy, tangy, and fruity dish. It's easy to make and is loaded with nutrients. This is another great recipe to make in the Summer when the ingredients are in season. Mangos are in season during the hot Summer months. This recipe calls for mango, avocado, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, jalapeno, fresh garlic, cilantro, lime juice, and salt and pepper.

Kicked Up Black Beans

If you want to make sure your black beans are full of flavor, this easy kicked-up skillet black bean recipe is for you. It's made with onions, bell pepper, jalapeno, cumin, chili powder, chicken broth, and lime juice. First, cook the veggies in the skillet, then stir in the beans and the broth. Bring it all to a boil, and then reduce the heat for it to simmer until most of the liquid is gone. Finish it off with lime juice and fresh cilantro.

Mexican Street Style Roasted Carrots

These Mexican street-style roasted carrots are delicious. Besides being coated with spices, these carrots are served with a cilantro lime crema. First, season the carrots with cumin, brown sugar, chili powder, oregano, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. While those roast in the oven, make the cilantro lime crema by mixing Greek yogurt or sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, fresh garlic, cilantro, and cotija cheese.

Black Bean Taco Salad

This black bean taco salad is loaded with veggies and topped with a cream salsa dressing. Mix together some romaine lettuce, black beans, bell pepper, tomatoes, corn, green onion, cheddar cheese, and crushed tortilla chips. The dressing is made of sour cream, red salsa, cumin, lime, and salt. This recipe can be ready in under 30 minutes.

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Mexican Street Corn Brussels Sprouts

These Mexican street corn brussels sprouts are creamy and crispy. You can also choose to roast or air fry your Brussels, depending on what you have available in your kitchen. Season the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and cook them how you choose. Next, make the street corn in a saucepan with mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, chili powder, paprika, and salt. Then toss the corn and Brussels sprouts together for the final product.

Taco Rice

This easy taco rice is a great side dish. It pairs perfectly with tacos, even burritos, and enchiladas. It is a little spicy, but you can customize it to your liking. You'll add all the ingredients into a saucepan and allow it to cook for 20 minutes once it's started boiling. This recipe calls for rice, chicken broth, southwest corn with poblano and red peppers, green chiles, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Then once it's done, stir in the cilantro, and it's ready.

Southwest Quinoa Salad

This southwest quinoa salad is a healthy black bean and corn salad that is vegan and gluten-free. It has a cumin-lime dressing and is a great side dish. The salad ingredients include quinoa, black beans, chickpeas, sweet corn, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and black olives. The dressing calls for lime juice, olive oil, cumin, chili powder, cilantro, and salt.

Mexican Sweet Potatoes

This recipe is so fun and colorful. Never thought you would pair sweet potatoes with tacos, did you? Well, these Mexican-style sweet potatoes are easy and delicious. They are basically healthy nachos, but sweet potatoes instead of chips. First, layer the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and cook them in the oven. Then, transfer to a cast iron skillet and layer it with corn and cheese. Once done cooking, top it with jalapeno, avocado, red onion, and cilantro.

Calabacitas (Mexican Zucchini and Corn)

Calabacitas is a beloved Mexican dish made from sauteeing zucchini, squash, onions, corn, tomatoes, peppers, and cheese. It's a healthy and easy recipe to make. First, saute the onions and peppers, then add in the corn and tomatoes. You will add in the squash and zucchini last. Then, you'll make the sauce by melting shredded cheese and milk together. Top it all with cilantro and cotija cheese, and it's ready to go.

Mexican Roasted Vegetables

This is another easy and healthy recipe filled with vegetables. Once all the veggies are cut and prepped, season them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, chili powder, coriander, and olive oil. They'll cook in the oven for 15 minutes and will be ready once topped with cilantro and cotija cheese.

Mexican Kale Salad

Make sure you get your leafy greens with this easy Mexican salad recipe with lime vinaigrette. The salad consists of kale, red bell pepper, black beans, corn, cilantro, cotija cheese, and jalapeno. The dressing is made of fresh lime juice, olive oil, a fresh garlic clove, honey, cilantro, and salt and pepper.

Spanish Quinoa

This recipe is like the Spanish rice recipe at the top of the list, but make it quinoa! It's super easy and only requires five ingredients and one pot. The key to making delicious rice or quinoa is to infuse it with flavor while it's cooking. This quinoa is cooked with onions, salsa, and vegetable broth.

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Mexican Chickpea Salad

This recipe is quick and easy in just 15 minutes. It's also packed with protein from the garbanzo beans. Mix together chickpeas, red onions, cherry tomatoes, jalapeno pepper, cilantro, and avocado. Then, for the dressing, add olive oil, white wine vinegar, lime juice, fresh garlic, salt, and pepper.

Mexican Cucumber Salad

This Mexican cucumber salad is a twist on Mexican street corn. It just has cucumber to add some crunch. It's made with cucumber, corn, sour cream, mayonnaise, cotija cheese, lime, chili powder, red onion, fresh garlic, and cilantro. First, make the sauce with all the ingredients and spices, excluding the cucumber and corn. Then, mix in the veggies and make sure it is all well combined.

Slow Cooker Charro Beans

So far, we've covered black beans and refried beans, but these slow-cooker charro beans are full of flavor. Cooked with bacon, tomatoes, garlic, jalapenos, green chiles, cilantro, and spices, this recipe is basically effortless once you combine it. This is one of those recipes that you throw together really quickly in the morning before your day gets started. It will cook for up to 10 hours and will be ready by dinner time.

Cilantro Lime Rice

This cilantro lime rice recipe is perfect if you're looking for a simple rice recipe but something more than plain rice. You'll cook the rice in water for 25 minutes and then mix in oil, chopped cilantro, and lime juice before serving.

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Now that you have plenty of tasty side recipes to go with your tacos, you may need a recipe for your main dish. Try this delicious recipe. Enjoy!

Tex-Mex Fried Rice

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Ingredients

Units USM

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
• 1 package (10 ounces) frozen corn, thawed
• 1 medium green pepper, chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 teaspoons canola oil
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup medium salsa
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups uncooked Minute Instant White Rice
• 1/2 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese

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Instructions

1. In a large nonstick frying pan, sauté the chicken, corn, green pepper, and onion in oil until chicken juices run clear (about 7 to 9 minutes).
2.  Stir in the broth, salsa, chili powder, cayenne pepper, and salt; bring to a boil.
3. Add the rice. Cover and remove from the heat; let stand for 5 minutes.
4. Fluff mixture with a fork. Sprinkle with cheese; cover and let stand for 3 minutes or until cheese is melted.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Guajillo studio/Shutterstock.com.

The post 25 Healthy Sides for Tacos – From Corn to Rice appeared first on Moms Who Think.

While most people associate watermelon with summertime picnics and outdoor gatherings, it is a versatile fruit that many enjoy year-round. Famous for its juicy texture and natural sweetness, how healthy is watermelon, really? We will take a closer look at watermelon and explore both its health benefits and possible downsides. Additionally, we will suggest some creative ways to eat your next watermelon.

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What Is Watermelon?

Watermelon, the juicy red fruit most associated with summertime, is a member of the Cucurbitaceae family, a type of gourd that includes squash, pumpkin, cucumber, and zucchini. While there are over 1,000 varieties, the five most common types of watermelons are seeded and seedless, mini watermelons, and yellow and orange watermelons.

This large fruit with a red juicy interior and hard exterior rind grows in tropical or temperate climates. In 2020, farmers produced 101.6 million tonnes (metric tons) of watermelon worldwide. Watermelons are grown in forty-four US states, with Florida as the top producer. The largest watermelon ever recorded weighed 351 pounds and was grown in Tennessee.

The Health Benefits of Watermelon

Watermelon contains a number of nutrients, including vitamins and antioxidants. Moreover, watermelons are ninety-two percent water, meaning they are an excellent hydration source. If that was not impressive enough, watermelon is also a low-calorie food despite its density. Research suggests that eating high-density, low-calorie foods aids in losing weight because you feel fuller longer.

Here is the nutritional breakdown for one cup of diced watermelon.

Furthermore, watermelon contains several heart-healthy nutrients, including citrulline, magnesium, and potassium. Citrulline lowers blood pressure by helping your blood vessels to expand. Also, watermelon includes Vitamins A, B6, and C, all of which support a healthy heart. Studies also suggest that watermelon lowers inflammation in the body, promotes healthy skin, improves digestion, and helps sore muscles recover.

And it is not just the red, juicy fruit itself. Both the rind and seeds of watermelon also have nutrients. Dried or raw watermelon seeds have magnesium, folate, and fatty acids that reduce bad cholesterol. The rind, which is rich in magnesium and potassium, can be added to smoothies, salads, or even pickled. Since you can eat the watermelon's fruit, seeds, and rind, it is a zero-waste food, making it also good for the planet.

The Downsides of Watermelon

While it has many health benefits, watermelon does have its downsides. While it is generally considered good for digestion, those with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and other similar conditions may have trouble digesting watermelon due to the fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAPs). These are carbohydrates that people with digestive issues have trouble with because their intestines struggle to absorb them. These carbs also tend to draw more water into the intestines, causing discomfort.

If you are allergic to grass or ragweed, you may want to avoid watermelon because you may have an allergic reaction, like hives or swelling. People with diabetes should also avoid or limit the amount of watermelon they consume due to the amount of natural sugar it contains. Finally, if you are prone to migraines, watermelon contains tyramine, an amino acid known to trigger migraine headaches.

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Can You Eat Watermelon Every Day?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends eating two servings of fruit per day. If you love watermelon and have no health concerns, you can safely enjoy watermelon every day. Why limit this delicious fruit to the summertime? However, it is always a good idea to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables for maximum health benefits. If you are looking for creative ways to incorporate more watermelon into your diet, here are some ideas.

• Blend frozen watermelon into your smoothies. You can also make a watermelon slushie using watermelon and ice.
• Add watermelon as a salad topping.
• Spice up your watermelon with black pepper, salt, or lime.
• Add feta cheese to your watermelon.
• Use watermelon to make delicious freezer pops.
• To make flavored water, simply add watermelon to a pitcher of water.
• Add watermelon juice to lemonade.
• A delicious cocktail can be made by mixing vodka with watermelon juice.
• If mocktails are more your speed, you can use watermelon to make agua fresca.

Fun Facts About Watermelon

Now that we know how good watermelon is for us, here is some fun trivia:

• Watermelons date back 4,000 years to Ancient Egypt. In fact, watermelon seeds were found in King Tutankhamun's tomb.
• While botanically, watermelon is a fruit, it is also classified as a gourd. Moreover, watermelons contain seeds like fruit. However, many gardeners consider them a vegetable because they grow in their summer gardens with peas and corn.
• The debate over whether watermelon is a fruit or a vegetable sparked controversy in 2007 when Oklahoma named it the state vegetable.
• Hybridization is the process responsible for the creation of seedless watermelons, which occur naturally. Many people mistakenly believe seedless watermelons are genetically modified.
• In Japan, square watermelons are grown by placing them inside square containers. Why? It makes it easier to store and transport them.
• Watermelon seed spitting contests are popular. The world record for watermelon seed spitting is seventy-five feet.

In Summary

While watermelon is typically associated with the summer, it is a versatile, delicious food with numerous health benefits that can be enjoyed year-round. Watermelon contains heart-healthy minerals like magnesium and potassium. Moreover, watermelon has Vitamins A, B6, and C, vitamins that also promote heart health. Furthermore, it is an excellent source of hydration and a great food choice for losing weight.

However, if you have digestive issues or diabetes, you may need to avoid watermelon or eat it in moderation. It is always best to check with your family doctor regarding your specific health needs. Overall, the evidence suggests that watermelon is a healthy food that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.

Refreshing Watermelon Slushie Recipe

Watermelon Slushie

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Ingredients

• 1 pint fresh strawberries (cleaned & hulled)
• 2 1/2 cups watermelon (seeded & cubed)
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 2 cups ice cubes

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Instructions

1. Combine all of the ingredients except the ice in a blender, and blend well.
2. While blending, gradually add the ice, continuing to blend until smooth.
3. Serve immediately.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©MariaTsygankova/Shutterstock.com.

The post Is Watermelon Healthy, Actually? What Science Says appeared first on Moms Who Think.

Cooking chicken for dinner and looking for some side dishes that will help keep your meal healthy? Calories can add up quickly if you're not sure what to keep an eye out for. These recipes have you covered. Check out these 17 healthy sides for chicken that are low in calories.

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Healthy Mexican Corn Salad

Nutritional information per serving:

• 174 calories
• 21 grams of carbs
• 9 grams of fat
• 6 grams of protein

This healthy Mexican street corn salad is made with sweet corn, jalapenos (if you like spice), mayonnaise, cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, and lime juice. It's creamy and bright, and it makes a great side for grilled chicken.

Roasted Carrots

Nutritional information per serving:

• 110 calories
• 12 grams of carbs
• 7 grams of fat
• 1 gram of protein

This roasted carrots recipe is meant to mimic Weight Watchers. Weight Watchers assigns points to foods and assigns healthier foods lower points so you can consume more points. This is done to reduce calories and assist with losing weight, so these carrots offer a delicious side that is low in calories. For this recipe, all you need is carrots, olive oil, and salt and pepper.

Spinach Tomato Salad with Feta

Nutritional information per serving (half a bowl):

• 157.5 calories
• 6.5 grams of carbs
• 12.2 grams of fat
• 2.9 grams of protein

This spinach tomato salad with feta cheese is a great recipe for spring and summer when these vegetables are in season. If serving a whole bowl of salad as the main dish, this salad has 315 calories. But, if you're serving it as a side and serving half of a bowl, it's only 157.7 calories per serving.

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Sauteed Baby Bok Choy With Ginger Sauce

Nutritional information per serving:

• 136 calories
• 7 grams of carbs
• 11 grams of fat
• 4 grams of protein

If you've never had bok choy, you'll fall in love with this recipe. It's quick and easy, only taking 15 minutes to complete. Bok choy is a super healthy leafy green vegetable with a crisp flavor. It can sometimes be bitter, but the ginger sauce is the perfect pairing to make this side delicious.

Garlic Parmesan Zucchini Fries

Nutritional information per serving:

• 83 calories
• 7.5 grams of carbs
• 3.6 grams of fat
• 6.9 grams of protein

Take the idea of fries but give it a twist. These garlic parmesan zucchini fries are delicious. It's a simple recipe, and these fries can be ready in under a half hour. All you need is zucchini, parmesan, Italian seasonings, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and olive oil.

Healthy Broccoli Salad

Nutritional information per serving:

• 169 calories
• 18.2 grams of carbs
• 9.6 grams of fat
• 5.3 grams of protein

This healthy broccoli salad makes eating broccoli fun. It's tangy and creamy, which is something you're likely not used to having when you eat broccoli. It's made with broccoli, red onion, roasted sunflower seeds, dried cherries, greek yogurt, olive oil, vinegar, and honey.

Tuscan Artichoke Tomato Salad

• 157 calories
• 6 grams of carbs
• 14 grams of fat
• 1 gram of protein

This Tuscan artichoke tomato salad is great if you're looking for a vegan and gluten-free recipe. It's made with artichoke hearts, chickpeas, tomatoes, red onion, and a vinaigrette. The vinaigrette is made with red wine vinegar, olive oil, and seasonings.

Ratatouille

Nutritional information per serving:

• 194 calories
• 20.8 grams of carbs
• 5.7 grams of fat
• 5.7 grams of protein

Ratatouille is another recipe that can be used as a main or side dish. Made of just vegetables, it's a great vegan dish and is low in calories. It's made with zucchini, eggplant, tomatoes, peppers, and onions. It can be served by itself, or it's also great served over rice.

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Healthy Green Bean Casserole

Nutritional information per serving:

• 112 calories
• 12 grams carbs
• 6 grams of fat
• 7 grams of protein

If you love green bean casserole but are shying away because of the calorie count, this healthy green bean casserole is just what you need. It is low in carbs and calories and is gluten-free. It's made with green beans, greek yogurt, almond milk, broth, almond flour, parmesan, and seasonings.

Low-Calorie Coleslaw

Nutritional information per serving:

• 40 calories
• 7 grams of carbs
• 2 grams of fat
• 3 grams of protein

This low-calorie coleslaw offers the least amount of calories of all the side dishes on this list. It's made with green and red cabbage, carrots, green onions, greek yogurt, lemon juice, dijon mustard, vinegar, and seasonings.

Roasted Winter Vegetables

Nutritional information per serving:

• 105 calories
• 24 grams of carbs
• 2 grams of fat
• 4 grams of protein

This roasted winter vegetables recipe is particularly great while these vegetables are in season. It's made up of carrots, parsnips, and Brussels sprouts. Seasoned with rosemary, thyme, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper, they bake in the oven at 400 degrees and are ready in about 35 minutes.

Mexican Street Cauliflower

Nutritional information per serving:

• 229 calories
• 12 grams of carbs
• 19 grams of fat
• 7 grams of protein

Cauliflower is normally very low in calories, this dish is a bit higher in calories due to the sauce being made out of mayonnaise. An easy way to reduce the calories is to substitute the mayo with Greek yogurt. If you love elote, this dish is the perfect way to fulfill your craving while keeping it healthy.

Mexican Three-Bean Salad

Nutritional information per serving:

• 177 calories
• 6 grams of carbs
• 19 grams

This Mexican three-bean salad is easy and quick. It also has a good amount of protein due to the bean content. Paired with chicken as your main dish, this is a great way to make sure you're meeting your protein needs. It's made with corn, black beans, kidney beans, northern beans, bell peppers, red onions, jalapeno, cilantro, avocado, olive oil, red wine vinegar, lime and lemon juice, honey, fresh garlic, and seasonings.

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Roasted Green Beans With Caramelized Onions

Nutritional information per serving:

• 102 calories
• 19 grams of carbs
• 2.5 grams of fat
• 3.5 grams of protein

This roasted green beans with caramelized onions recipe is great if you're roasting a chicken. This dish is very simple as it only has two main ingredients; Vidalia onions and green beans. First, you'll place the green beans into the oven, and while those cook, you'll brown the onions on the stovetop.

Lemon Garlic Sauteed Cabbage

Nutritional information per serving:

• 105 calories
• 14.3 carbohydrates
• 6.4 grams of fat
• 2.7 grams of protein

Enjoy this fresh take on cabbage. It's simple and quick. While cabbage can naturally become sweet after cooking, the lemon in this dish brightens it up for a slightly tangy flavor. The dish stays savory, though, as the cabbage is also sauteed with garlic. Cabbage is super easy to cook. Once you've sliced the cabbage, cook it in a skillet on the stovetop. Although it might look like a lot of cabbage, it's important to note that cabbage shrinks and cooks down, so it will look like less once it's done cooking.

Herbed Spaghetti Squash With Garlic And Parmesan

Nutritional information per serving:

• 78 calories
• 1 grams of carbs
• 12 grams of fat
• 2 grams of protein

I'm a firm believe that spaghetti squash is not a direct substitute for pasta, but that doesn't mean that spaghetti squash can't be good. If you've written off spaghetti squash, make sure to give this recipe a try! This dish is delicious because it's coated in butter and parmesan. You can use it as a side to make healthy chicken parmesan and “pasta.”

Roasted Sugar Snap Peas

Nutritional information per serving:

• 70 calories
• 8 grams of carbs
• 5 grams of fat
• 2 grams of protein

If you've only ever had snap peas in a stir-fry recipe, it's time to let them be the star of the show. This recipe is low in calories and high in fiber. The peas are slightly sweet, and the onions bring in a savory flavor. It's super easy to make with just sugar snap peas, red onion, olive oil, and seasonings.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©PROMISED/Shutterstock.com.

The post 17 Healthy Sides for Chicken – Low-Calorie And Pair Perfectly appeared first on Moms Who Think.

Let's untangle a common kitchen conundrum: the difference between two ingredients that we get a lot of questions about, garbanzo beans and chickpeas. We don't want to burst any bubbles, but…they're the same thing. But don't click away just yet; there's much more to these versatile legumes than meets the eye. There is still much to understand about their nutritional value, how to use them in recipes, and seamless swaps if you don't have them in your pantry.

A Common Identity

First, garbanzo beans and chickpeas are two names for the same ingredient. The term “chickpea” is more common in American and British English, while “garbanzo,” a Spanish term, is often used in Latin American recipes. They come in two main varieties—the larger, lighter-colored Kabuli type, commonly found in U.S. supermarkets, and the smaller, darker Desi type, which is popular in Indian cuisine. 

Nutritional Profile

Nutritionally, these beans are powerhouses, whatever you call them. They are packed with protein, fiber, and vital nutrients like iron, folate, and manganese. A cup of cooked chickpeas contains about 15 grams of protein and 13 grams of dietary fiber, making them an excellent choice for plant-based diets. They're also a low-glycemic food, meaning they help maintain steady blood sugar levels—a big win for health-conscious moms.

Culinary Uses

In the kitchen, chickpeas are incredibly versatile. They can be roasted for a crunchy snack (our favorite recipe for that is below), mashed into hummus, or added to soups and stews for a protein boost. In Indian cuisine, they're often used in dishes like chana masala. With its thicker skin and nuttier flavor, the Desi variety is typically used in curries and stews.

You can swap almost any bean, legume, or pulse in for chickpeas, but they have a specific texture and flavor, especially in dishes for which they are best known, like falafel and hummus. That said, you won't catch us sleeping on a finely pureed white bean hummus with roasted garlic just because we ran out of chickpeas in our pantry. Chickpeas are iconic and delicious, yes. Irreplaceable? Not always.

Brief History

Chickpeas have been a staple in human diets for thousands of years. Archaeologists have found chickpea remains in the Middle East dating back over 7,500 years. They're a key ingredient in many Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes, reflecting their long history in these cuisines.

Interchangeability and Substitutions

Since garbanzo beans and chickpeas are the same, they're 100% interchangeable in recipes. If you're out of chickpeas, great substitutes include cannellini beans, great northern beans, or even lentils, though these options may slightly alter the flavor and texture of your dish. If you want a bean that stays firm when cooked, you can use black beans in place of chickpeas, understanding that the aesthetic of the dish will be altered. When substituting, remember to consider the cooking time and texture differences.

Factors to Consider When Substituting

• Texture: Chickpeas have a unique texture that's both creamy and firm. If you blend them down but don't commit to enough time whipping them, you may end up with a crumbly, gritty texture. Substitutes like lentils may break down more in cooking, affecting the dish's final consistency.
• Flavor: Chickpeas have a mild, nutty taste. Some substitutes, like black beans, have a stronger flavor that may overshadow other ingredients.
• Cooking Time: If using canned beans as a substitute, the cooking time will be similar. Refer to the dry goods packaging for dried beans or lentils and adjust cooking times accordingly.

Bottom Line

Whether you call them garbanzo beans or chickpeas, these legumes are a nutritious and versatile ingredient perfect for busy moms. They offer a wealth of health benefits, and adaptability in various cuisines, and are an excellent protein source for plant-based diets. Next time you're at the store, don't hesitate to add a bag or a can (or two!) to your cart, knowing you're choosing one of the original culinary workhorses and a total nutrition powerhouse.

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Now that you know the difference between garbanzo beans and chickpeas, try out a delicious and easy recipe. Enjoy!

Easy Roasted Chickpeas

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• Author: MomsWhoThink.com
• Total Time: 45 mins

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Ingredients

• 1 can of chickpeas
• 1 tbsp of olive oil
• 1/2 tsp of salt
• 1/2 tsp of paprika

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Drain and rinse chickpeas, pat dry with a towel.
3. Toss chickpeas with oil, salt, and paprika.
4. Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 30-40 minutes until crispy.

• Prep Time: 5 mins
• Cook Time: 40 mins
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

The image featured at the top of this post is ©MomsWhoThink / Mallory Viscardi.

The post Garbanzo Beans vs. Chickpeas: Which is Healthier & Full Comparison appeared first on Moms Who Think.

Looking to keep your calorie count low? Having burgers as your main dish is a great way to do so. You can stock up on protein with or without a bun by eating burger patties. It will also be important to ensure your side dishes are low in calories. Here are 12 healthy sides for burgers that are low in calories.

Roasted Cauliflower With Garlic

Nutritional info per serving:

• 130 calories
• 8.95 grams of fat
• 9.14 grams of carbs
• 5 grams of protein

Roasted cauliflower is a great side dish that is easy to make and low in calories. For this recipe, cut up a head of cauliflower, season it with dried seasonings and fresh garlic, then throw it in the oven for 30 minutes.

Ginger Broccoli

Nutritional info per serving:

• 90 calories
• 5 grams of carbs
• 7 grams of fat
• 3 grams of protein

Broccoli, like cauliflower, is also low in calories. This ginger broccoli recipe can be low in calories as long as you don't add any sugars. It's prepared easily by sauteeing the broccoli with sesame oil, soy sauce, and ground ginger.

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Roasted Asparagus With Feta Cheese

Nutritional info per serving:

• 65 calories
• 3.9 grams of carbs
• 4.6 grams of fat
• 3.5 grams of protein

Asparagus has a unique flavor and can often be done with just a simple seasoning of salt and pepper. But if you want to make your asparagus stand out, use this recipe! Seasoned with garlic, lemon juice, oregano, red pepper flakes, parsley, and crumbled feta cheese, this asparagus will be a family favorite.

Healthy Stuffed Potatoes

Nutritional info per serving:

• 113 calories
• 17 grams of carbs
• 3 grams of fat
• 5 grams of protein

Instead of french fries, opt for these healthy stuffed potatoes. They have a high amount of vitamin C and a healthy amount of fiber. They're so delicious you'll forget they're even healthy.

Roasted Portobello Caps

Nutritional info per serving:

• 94 calories
• 5 grams of fat
• 10 grams of carbs
• 4 grams of protein

With just a few ingredients, these portabello mushroom caps are delicious. Take your portabello mushrooms, season them with salt, pepper, and olive oil, then cook in the oven for 20 minutes. Top them off with a breadcrumb mixture and parmesan cheese.

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Garlic Baked Cabbage

Nutritional info per serving:

• 149 calories
• 11.5 grams of carbs
• 11.15 grams of fat
• 2.5 grams of protein

Cabbage is well known for being a low-calorie vegetable. For this recipe, cut up cabbage and season it with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. It calls for butter, which is where most of the calories come from. If you want less calories, you can opt to use olive oil.

Mexican Cucumber Salad

Nutritional info per serving:

• 101 calories
• 14 grams of carbs
• 5 grams of fat
• 3 grams of protein

This Mexican cucumber salad is inspired by Mexican street corn. It's creamy and crunchy, with cucumbers as one of the main ingredients. It's made with sour cream, mayonnaise, cotija cheese, cucumbers, corn, red onion, lime, chili powder, garlic, and cilantro.

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

Nutritional info per serving:

• 135 calories
• 13.4 grams of carbs
• 1.8 grams of fat
• 5 grams of protein

This Mediterranean chickpea salad is easy and delicious. It takes only 10 minutes and is made with chickpeas, cucumbers, tomatoes, red bell pepper, kalamata olives, red onion, feta cheese, and parsley.

Healthy Baked Beans

Nutritional info per serving:

• 220 calories
• 1 gram of fat
• 0 grams of cholesterol

When you think of a backyard barbecue, one side dish that may come to mind is baked beans. This baked bean recipe pairs especially well with a delicious burger. And, more importantly, it's a healthier version!

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Beet Salad

Nutritional info per serving:

• 120 calories
• 13 grams of carbs
• 7 grams of fat
• 2 grams of protein

Beets offer an earthy and sweet flavor that works great in a side dish. This recipe is simple and only requires beets, olive oil, vinegar, dijon muster, honey, celery, shallot, and salt and pepper to taste. You'll first roast the beets in the oven, then mix all the ingredients together into a salad.

Cheesy Vegetable Bake

Nutritional info per serving:

• 104 calories
• 10 grams of carbs
• 4 grams of fat
• 7 grams of protein

What's great about a vegetable casserole is that you can throw in whatever vegetable you have on hand to make it. This recipe calls for frozen broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots, but if you have other vegetables on hand, those can work as well.

Artichoke Tomato Salad

Nutritional info per serving:

• 157 calories
• 6 grams of carbs
• 14 grams of fat
• 1 gram of protein

This Tuscan artichoke tomato salad is bright and fun, and it can be prepared quickly in just 20 minutes. It's made with tomatoes, red onions, artichoke hearts, chickpeas, basil, chives, and capers. The vinaigrette is also simple with olive oil, red wine vinegar, and seasonings.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Nutritional info per serving:

• 180-200 calories
• 42-45g carb
• 2-3g protein
• 0.2-0.4g fat

Instead of greasy fries, a better alternative is roasted sweet potatoes. They are more nutritious and because they are slightly sweet, your picky eaters will love them!

Marinated Tomatoes

Nutritional info per serving:

• 149 calories
• 6 grams of carbs
• 14 grams of fat
• 1 gram of protein

These marinated tomatoes are so easy they are almost effortless. It's packed with a bunch of flavors from the marinade with olive oil, vinegar, and herbs.

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Roasted Sheet Pan Veggies

Nutritional info per serving:

• 98 calories
• 11 grams of carbs
• 6 grams of fat
• 2 grams of protein

This recipe is colorful with butternut squash, broccoli, red bell peppers, and red onions. If you have other vegetables at home you'd like to add in, you can easily do so!

The image featured at the top of this post is ©P Kyriakos/Shutterstock.com.

The post 15 Healthy Sides for Burgers – Many Around 100 Calories or Less appeared first on Moms Who Think.

Salmon is a great light and healthy meal that still offers a good amount of protein. In a four-ounce salmon filet, you can get between 20-25 grams of protein. On average, women need 45 grams of protein per day, and men need 55 grams per day. That means one filet of salmon can provide almost half of your daily protein intake! If you're looking to keep your dinner healthy, here are some great side dishes for salmon.

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Sauteed Garlic Mushrooms and Zucchini

These sauteed garlic mushrooms and zucchini are full of flavor and easy to make. With only 10 minutes of prep and 15 of cooking time, they're ready in under 30 minutes. For this recipe, you'll need zucchini, button mushrooms, yellow onion, garlic, herbs, and vegetable broth.

Mediterranean Salad

This refreshing side dish is great to pair with your salmon. Made with tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and cilantro, it's a bright and fresh salad that you can simply toss together with some olive oil and lime juice or vinegar. All you have to do is cut up the vegetables and make a quick vinaigrette, and it's ready to go.

Parmesan and Balsamic Roasted Asparagus With Tomatoes

This recipe is a fun way to spruce up your side of asparagus. Adding tomatoes, minced garlic, and balsamic glaze makes the asparagus super flavorful. If you don't have balsamic glaze, but you have balsamic vinegar, you can make a reduction by boiling down the vinegar to a glaze. And if you want to sweeten the dish, you can add honey or maple syrup to your glaze reduction.

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Greek Lemon Rice

This zesty Greek lemon rice recipe is a delicious Mediterranean side. Filled with herbs and lots of lemon, it's a great pair for salmon. Ready in 30 minutes, all you have to do is sautee onions and garlic, then add broth, lemon juice, and seasonings to cook into the rice. Once the rice is done, it's optional to add in some butter and an extra squeeze of lemon juice.

Low-Carb Broccoli Salad

This loaded low-carb broccoli salad has broccoli, cauliflower, red onions, bacon, and cheese. It's also made with a homemade dressing. My personal belief is everything is better with a homemade dressing! This dressing is made with Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, honey, red wine vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.

Garlic Butter Quinoa

Quinoa is normally a plain-tasting grain, but this garlic butter quinoa recipe makes it a rich and flavorful side. It only takes five ingredients; quinoa, butter, garlic, salt, and vegetable broth. One of the keys to cooking quinoa is cooking it in a broth so that it adds extra flavor. If you cook it in water, it will be plain with an earthy taste. But it will soak up the flavor of the liquid it's cooked in, so make sure that liquid is flavorful.

Roasted Carrots With Pecans And Goat Cheese

Not only is this side dish pretty, but it tastes amazing. It's a great balance of sweet and savory with brown sugar and tangy goat cheese. If you don't like goat cheese, no problem, you can easily substitute it with feta cheese. Once the carrots are prepared, they will go in the oven for up to an hour. During that time, you can make candied pecans to sprinkle the carrots with once they're done. If you prefer to have regular pecans, you can roast them alongside the carrots.

Lemon Orzo Salad

This twist on a classic pasta salad is so fun. It's fresh from all the veggies and is easy to make with minimal prep time. While you cook the orzo, cut up all the cucumbers, peppers, and onions. The dressing is easy and delicious, made with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and garlic. To make it taste even more fresh, add in fresh basil and parsley.

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Jennifer Aniston Salad

If you haven't heard of the famous Jennifer Aniston salad yet, where have you been? Made with chickpeas, quinoa, cucumber, red onion, fresh parsley and mint, salted pistachios, and crumbled feta cheese, it has a ton of flavor. Then toss in lemon juice, olive oil, honey, and salt and pepper, and it is perfection. This is a cold salad, so make sure to cool down the cooked quinoa before mixing together the salad.

Cilantro Lime Rice

If you love the Chipotle cilantro lime rice, then you'll love this recipe. Made with onion, fresh garlic, vegetable or chicken stock, lime juice, and fresh cilantro, this rice bursts with flavor. Anything citrus is a great addition to your salmon meal.

Cooking Your Salmon

If you're new to making salmon at home, make sure to check out these articles on how to best cook your salmon.

• How To Cook Salmon Perfectly, 4 ways
• Salmon Steak vs. Fillet: 3 Key Differences & How to Prepare Each
• Lemon-Crusted Salmon With Citrus Herb Sauce
• Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Elena Shashkina/Shutterstock.com.

The post 10 Healthy Sides for Salmon – From Rice Dishes to Salads appeared first on Moms Who Think.

Meatloaf is a beloved family meal, and it's often made with a generations-old family recipe. (Scroll down for my mom's meatloaf recipe. I've never found one I love more!) And while meatloaf is often accompanied by buttery, creamy mashed potatoes, it doesn't have to be. Consider ditching the mashed taters for a healthier side. OR, supplement the spuds with one of these healthy sides for meatloaf.

The History of Meatloaf

While many herald the modern meatloaf as an all-American dinner table staple, this delicious dish actually has roots dating back to 5th Century medieval Europe, where it was a cornucopia of meat and vegetable scraps. Fast forward to the Great Depression, and meatloaf was a palatable way to stretch the weekly grocery budget, and the evolution of the meat grinder made coming by ground beef with which to make a meatloaf that much easier.

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Today's meatloaf, though, is slightly more civilized and indeed features a variety of different approaches in how it's made. And everyone, it seems, has their favorite. Here's mine:

Mom's Meatloaf

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• Author: Ashley Haugen

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This recipe is a family favorite in our house. I grew up eating it, and now I enjoy serving it to my own kids. 

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Ingredients

Units USM

LOAF:

• 1 1/2 lbs ground chuck
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 1 onion grated
• 1/2 can tomato sauce
• salt & pepper to taste

GRAVY:

• 1/2 can tomato sauce
• 1 cup water
• 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 Tbsp prepared (yellow) mustard
• 2 Tbsp brown sugar

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Instructions

1. Turn on the oven broiler.
2. Mix all loaf ingredients in a bowl.
3. Transfer ingredients to a greased baking pan, and form a loaf.
4. Brown lightly under broiler, and remove from oven.
5. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
6. Combine all gravy ingredients in a separate bowl and pour over browned loaf.
7. Back at 350 degrees F for one hour, basting every 10 minutes.

What to Make With Leftover Meatloaf

On the rare occasion when you have leftover meatloaf, put it in the refrigerator overnight. The next day for lunch, slice off a piece and put it on two slices of white bread with mayo. THE. BEST!

Healthy Sides for Meatloaf

OK, let's get to it. You have your meatloaf recipe ready to roll. Don't waste any time thinking about what to serve with it. Here are the healthy recipes to serve with meatloaf to make it a well-rounded guilt-free meal.

Roasted Asparagus

You really can't go wrong with a simple roasted asparagus recipe. Snap the ends of the stalks, chop them into bite-sized pieces (or not), toss them in some olive oil and lay out on a roasting pan. Sprinkle some seasoning on top and roast for 15 minutes or so. So easy and the perfect veggie to serve with meatloaf.

Sauteed Green Beans

For a simple side that packs flavor but doesn't steal the spotlight from the main dish (meatloaf!), try this delicious recipe for sauteed green beans. It's easy, approachable and oh-so-tasty.

Garlic Herb Butter Broccoli

If your oven is otherwise occupied by the meatloaf, this garlic herb butter broccoli recipe is ideal as it can be cooked in the microwave. A few minutes is all it takes to create a tasty side for your meatloaf.

Herbed Spaghetti Squash

If you've never served spaghetti squash, it's an adventure. Once cooked, a simple scrape of the squash with a fork pulls off spaghetti-like tendrils — hence the name. This recipe is another microwave option and features a scant few ingredients to create a flavorful side dish.

Healthy Corn Chowder

When you have a hearty entree like meatloaf, offering a healthy side feels like a good balance. This healthy corn chowder recipe is a great way to either start your meatloaf meal or to serve in tandem as a side.

Healthy Quinoa Salad with Chickpeas

Quinoa is a delightful and versatile grain. This recipe spotlights this key ingredient and elevates it with a variety of additional ingredients.

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Instant Pot Artichokes

Artichokes are an adventurous dish that requires a bit of work to enjoy — but they're SO worth it. This recipe to whip some up in an Instant Pot makes it incredibly easy.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes

While the “other potato” typically sidles up to a meatloaf entree, here we showcase just how impactful sweet potatoes can be in a meatloaf menu. By roasting them, you're taking a healthier serving option, and they still provide the tasty, starchy punch.

Sauteed Zucchini

The savory flavors of zucchini doused in soy sauce bring a distinctly Asian flavor to your meal — which actually plays well with meatloaf. If you'd rather cut down on the sodium, though, eliminate the soy sauce and strictly saute.

Garlic Parmesan Cauliflower Rice

Garlic Butter Parmesan Baked Butternut Squash

Slice up some butternut squash, toss it with some olive, Parmesan and seasoning, and throw it in the oven to bake. Voila! A flavorful side for your meatloaf.

Pasta With Peas

Provide a starchy side with this pasta with peas recipe. Add some tomatoes for color and balance, and you'll have a beautifully plated dish your family will love!

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Garlic Sauteed Spinach

Popeye was onto something tasty when he'd pop open a can of spinach. This recipe takes a flavorful step further with garlic and seasoning, all sauteed in olive oil. You can't go wrong!

More Healthy Sides for Meatloaf

Black Bean Salad

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This is a quick and easy chilled bean salad that always delights and never fails.

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Ingredients

Units USM

• 2 16–oz cans of black beans
• 1 16–oz can corn niblets
• 1 14–oz can diced tomatoes
• 1/2 large green pepper, finely chopped
• 1/2 large sweet red pepper, finely chopped
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 2 Tbsp fresh cilantro
• 1/2 tsp basil
• 1/2 tsp oregano
• 1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 1/2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar

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Instructions

1. Pour black beans and corn into a strainer, drain and rinse thoroughly with cold running water and drain again. Pour into a large bowl.
2. Chop tomatoes and add to bowl, reserving juice. Add the chopped green pepper, red pepper, green onions, cilantro, basil, oregano and pepper.
3. Whisk olive oil and balsamic vinegar together. Stir in half the reserved tomato juice. Pour over vegetables, adding remaining tomato juice to taste, if desired. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate 2-8 hours.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

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Roasted Brussels sprouts are a delicious and easy-to-make side dish. Here's a basic recipe for roasted Brussels sprouts. Feel free to customize this recipe to your preferences. You can add bacon bits, chopped nuts, or other herbs and spices to make your roasted Brussels sprouts unique.

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Ingredients

Units USM

• 1 pound Brussels sprouts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional seasonings: garlic powder, grated Parmesan cheese, balsamic vinegar, or lemon zest (customize to your taste)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Prepare the Brussels sprouts:
3. Trim the stem ends of the Brussels sprouts and remove any loose or discolored leaves.
4. Cut the Brussels sprouts in half lengthwise.
5. In a large mixing bowl, toss the Brussels sprouts with the olive oil until they are well coated. You can also add your preferred seasonings at this point.
6. Spread the Brussels sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet. Make sure they are not too crowded, as this will help them roast evenly.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. You can always add more seasonings after they come out of the oven, so start with a conservative amount.
8. Roast the Brussels sprouts in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender and caramelized. Check them after 15 minutes and give them a stir for even cooking.
9. If you're adding additional seasonings, like Parmesan cheese or balsamic vinegar, you can do so as soon as the Brussels sprouts come out of the oven while they are still hot.
10. Serve the roasted Brussels sprouts immediately as a side dish. Enjoy!

Sauteed Cabbage

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This simple sautéed cabbage recipe is a quick and easy way to prepare cabbage, and it makes a great side dish for a variety of main courses. It's a basic preparation, but you can customize it by adding other seasonings, like red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, or by mixing in cooked bacon or sausage for added flavor. Enjoy this easy and nutritious cabbage dish with your favorite meals.

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Ingredients

• 1 small head of cabbage, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1–2 tablespoons water or vegetable broth (optional)

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Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat.
2. If you're using onion and garlic, add them to the pan with the butter or olive oil. Sauté them for a few minutes until they become fragrant and the onion becomes translucent.
3. Add the thinly sliced cabbage to the skillet. If your pan is not large enough to hold all the cabbage at once, you can add it in batches and let it wilt down before adding more.
4. Season the cabbage with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. You can also add a tablespoon or two of water or vegetable broth to help the cabbage cook and soften, but this is optional.
5. Sauté the cabbage, stirring occasionally, for about 8-10 minutes, or until it's tender and slightly caramelized. The cooking time may vary depending on your heat level and the thickness of the cabbage slices.
6. Taste the sautéed cabbage and adjust the seasoning if needed.
7. Once the cabbage is cooked to your liking, remove it from the heat.
8. Serve the sautéed cabbage as a side dish, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or dill if desired.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Arina P Habich/Shutterstock.com.

The post 16 Healthy Sides for Meatloaf – From Corn Dishes to Veggies appeared first on Moms Who Think.

Coming up with a side dish can sometimes feel daunting. If you have steaks at home to cook for dinner, here is our favorite steak recipe. And if you're looking for some healthy sides to pair with your protein, here are five healthy sides for steak to choose from.

Classic Baked Potato

Nutrition per potato (no toppings):

• 164 calories
• 4 grams of fiber
• 37 grams of carbs
• 4.3 grams of protein
• 0.2 grams of fat

They go together like PB&J. Indeed “steak and a baked potato” has been served to generations of carnivores. Here is a classic baked potato recipe that's no-fail. Adjust the toppings as you see fit and to your family's liking. (HINT: Another fun family meal idea is a baked potato bar. Here's everything you need to know.)

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Cabbage and Tomato Salad

Nutrition info:

• 43 calories
• 7g carbs
• 2g protein
• 1g fat

Bring some greens to your steak plate with this delightful cabbage and tomato salad recipe. The name gives a nod to the two key ingredients — cabbage and tomatoes — which are complemented by some simple spices and additional flavors like cilantro and radish. Toss it all in an oil and vinegar dressing and voila!

Stuffed Acorn Squash

Nutrition per serving:

• 170 calories
• 43.9 carbs
• 2.1 grams protein
• .4 grams fat

Acorn squash is a nutritious veggie that is often overlooked for traditional squash. Yet it's just as versatile and delicious. Here is a stuffed acorn squash recipe that combines a few simple ingredients to create a tasty side dish for steak or any other meaty entree.

Greek Salad

Nutrition per serving:

• 185 calories
• 12g carbs
• 7g protein
• 13g fat

Greek salads are incredibly easy to pull together and offer amazing flavor. Bathe a few simple ingredients in a light Greek dressing and you have the perfect complement to your juicy steak. Here's a great Greek salad recipe to tempt your tastebuds.

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Sauteed Broccolini

Nutrition per serving:

• 78 calories
• 6 grams of carbs
• 3 grams of protein
• 5 grams of fat

This sauteed broccolini recipe will give you a delicious and flavorful side in under ten minutes. Made with lemon, garlic, and chili flakes, this will become a go-to recipe.

Roasted Cauliflower with Garlic

Nutritional per serving:

• 25-30 calories
• 5-6g carbs
• 2-3g protein
• 0.5-1g fat

This cruciferous veggie takes center stage with this tasty (and healthy!) side dish. And with just a few ingredients that are tossed together, it's a simple dish to whip up and serve alongside your steak.

Sauteed Cabbage

Nutrition per serving:

• 30-40 calories
• 7-8g carbs
• 1-2g protein
• 0-1g fat

While cabbage is typically the star of cole slaw recipes, in this sauteed cabbage recipe, you'll enjoy this green in a whole new way. Chop up a head of fresh cabbage, and simply sautee in butter or olive oil. Season with desired spices, and you have a tasty and nutritious side in no time.

Roasted Brussels With Pancetta

Nutrition per serving:

• 120 calories
• 18 grams of carbs
• 6 grams of protein
• 2.5 grams of fat

If you love Brussels sprouts, this Brussels with pancetta recipe will become a favorite. Mix the brussels in the pancetta, fresh garlic, salt, pepper, and olive oil, cook in the oven for 25 minutes, and you have a tasty and healthy side dish.

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Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Nutrition per 1-cup serving:

• 180-200 calories
• 42-45g carb
• 2-3g protein
• 0.2-0.4g fat

Don't relegate sweet potatoes to just Thanksgiving. Enjoy these veggies year-round. And with this simple roasted sweet potatoes recipe, you can enjoy it with a more healthy bent.

Wedge Salad

It's a classic steakhouse staple, so it stands to reason that a classic wedge salad would pair perfectly with your steak entree. We find this one on Once Upon a Chef to be a stand-up version worthy of serving. Note that you may want to swap the dressing for a low-cal, low-fat version to up the healthy factor.

Sauteed Zucchini

For a simple side for your steak dinner, this healthy sauteed zucchini recipe delivers. Simply slice up the zucchini into thin strips, saute in olive oil and douse with soy sauce. YUM!

Sauteed Mushrooms

Nutrition per serving:

• 120 calories
• 5 grams of carbs
• 4 grams of protein
• 10 grams of fat

These sauteed mushrooms are made with white wine and garlic. Sauteeing mushrooms is a great way to cook them because they soak up the flavor you cook them with. These mushrooms are bursting with flavor and a great side dish for your steak.

Roasted Beets

Sometimes the simplest recipes are the tastiest, and such is the case with this simple roasted beets recipe. Toss some slice beets with some olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper, and you have a delightfully light and healthy side dish for your steak meal.

Arugula Salad

Nutrition per serving:

• 270 calories
• 18 grams of carbs
• 7 grams of protein
• 20 grams of fat

This arugula salad is sweet and savory with arugula, almonds, dried cranberries, parmesan cheese, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, and honey. None of the ingredients require preparation, so you can throw it together in just 15 minutes.

Roasted Green Beans

Nutrition per serving:

• 30-35 calories
• 6-7g carbs
• 1-2g protein
• 0.5-1g fat

Another simple recipe, these roasted green beans are SUPER easy to make and pack a hefty nutritional punch. Simply toss them all together and roast them in the oven. Doesn't get any easier than that!

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Lemon Basil Risotto

Nutrition per serving:

• 292 calories
• 38 grams of carbs
• 8 grams of protein
• 11 grams of fat

This risotto is healthier than others because it has less cheese and uses broth instead of heavy cream. Typically risottos are high in calories and fat because of their cream and cheese content. This recipe is simple, with only 10 ingredients, most of which you probably have in your pantry.

Roasted Asparagus

Nutrition per serving:

• 30-40 calories
• 6-8g carbs
• 2-3g protein
• 1-2g fat

Asparagus may be funny-looking, but it's got some serious flavor! This simple roasted asparagus recipe showcases just how tasty this veggie is. Douse fresh asparagus in olive oil and a pinch of salt, and you have an incredibly easy-to-make and nutritious side for your steak dinner!

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Chatham172/Shutterstock.com.

The post 17 Healthy Sides for Steak — Simple and Nutritious appeared first on Moms Who Think.

Steel-cut oats are great for a breakfast meal. They're also often used in baking. Steel-cut oats are popular because they are one of the least processed oats. They contain endosperm, bran, and germ, meaning they still have nutrients offered by those components. But, since they do have all the parts of the grain, they take longer to cook. If you want to cook steel-cut oats at home, here are five ways you can cook them perfectly.

Microwave

Cooking your steel-cut oats in the microwave is one of the quickest ways to prepare them. To cook a half cup of steel-cut oats, place them in a microwave-safe dish and add two cups of water. Then microwave them on high for five minutes. Using heat protection, remove from the microwave and stir. Then, place them back in the microwave and cook for an additional five minutes. Stir again, and if there is still too much liquid, microwave for an additional two minutes. Once all the liquid is absorbed, allow the oats to sit for two minutes and then serve.

• Add half a cup of steel-cut oats and two cups of water to a microwave-safe dish.
• Cook for five minutes.
• Remove, stir, and place back in the microwave.
• Cook for an additional five minutes.
• Stir, and cook an additional two minutes if the water hasn't been absorbed.
• Allow to rest for two minutes.
• Serve.

Stovetop

To cook your steel-cut oats on the stovetop, boil three cups of water. Once boiling, add a cup of steel-cut oats and a small pinch of salt. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes or until the water is mostly absorbed. The oats should be tender. Once cooked, you can serve plain or stir in some milk and vanilla to add flavor.

• Boil three cups of water.
• Add a cup of steel-cut oats and a pinch of salt.
• Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
• Check if the oats are tender and that most of the water has been absorbed.
• Add any additional seasoning ingredients.
• Serve.

Oven

To cook your steel-cut oats in the oven, preheat the oven to 375 degrees. In an oven-safe dish, mix one cup of steel-cut oats and two cups of water. Mix well and bake in the oven for 45 minutes. Check that the water has been absorbed and the oats are tender. Cooking in the oven also makes it easy to add in other ingredients and make oatmeal. Before cooking, you can add chia seeds, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and bananas.

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
• Mix one cup of steel-cut oats and two cups of water in an oven-safe dish.
• Bake in the oven for 45 minutes.
• Check if water is absorbed and oats are tender. Cook for an additional five minutes at a time until cooked if they're not ready after 45 minutes.

Rice Cooker

To cook your steel-cut oats in a rice cooker, add one cup of steel-cut oats into the rice cooker with four cups of water. Cook in the rice cooker for two hours. Then stir and make sure all the water has absorbed and oats are tender. With a rice cooker, you can turn these on at night before bed so that they're ready for you in the morning. If your machine has a timer, set it for two hours, and then it should automatically switch to a warming setting after it's done cooking. Do not do this unless you check your machine has this function first.

• Add one cup of steel-cut oats and four cups of water to a rice cooker.
• Cook for two hours.
• Check all water has been absorbed and oats are tender.
• Serve.

Instant Pot

Cooking steel-cut oats in an instant pot is the quickest way you can prepare them. To cook your steel-cut oats in an instant pot, add two cups of steel-cut oats and four cups of water. You can add additional ingredients for flavor, like cinnamon, vanilla, or maple syrup, if you like. Once everything is mixed together, cover and seal. Cook on high pressure for four minutes. Then, allow the pressure to release for 10 minutes.

• Add two cups of steel-cut oats and four cups of water to the instant pot.
• Add any wanted additional ingredients.
• Mix, cover, and seal the instant pot.
• Cook for four minutes.
• Pressure release for 10 minutes.
• Mix together and serve.

Ginger-Pear Steel-Cut Oatmeal

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• Author: MomsWhoThink.com
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings

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Ingredients

Units USM

• 1 cup steel-cut oats
• 3 cups water
• 1 1/2 cups almond milk (or any milk of your choice)
• 2 ripe pears, peeled, cored, and diced
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Chopped nuts (such as almonds or walnuts) for garnish
• Greek yogurt for topping (optional)

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Instructions

1. In a medium-sized saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add steel-cut oats, reduce heat to low, and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. While the oats are cooking, in a separate pan, sauté the diced pears with honey or maple syrup, grated ginger, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt over medium heat until the pears are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Once the oats are cooked and have reached your desired consistency, stir in the almond milk and continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until creamy.
4. Fold in the sautéed ginger-pear mixture into the oats, reserving some for topping.
5. Remove from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes to thicken.
6. Spoon the oatmeal into bowls and top with the remaining ginger-pear mixture, chopped nuts, and a dollop of Greek yogurt if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 8 g

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Linda Hughes Photography/Shutterstock.com.

The post How To Cook Steel-Cut Oats Perfectly, 5 Ways appeared first on Moms Who Think.

Barley is used in soups, cereals, and many other foods. It is a grain that is known for offering some health benefits. It's high in fiber, which is great for your gut health, and it also has been studied to reduce the risk of obesity and developing diabetes. It is the fourth most produced grain in the world coming after corn, rice, and wheat. If you have barley at home that you're ready to cook, here are three ways to make sure you cook your barley perfectly.

Hulled and Pearl Barley

There are two different kinds of barley you can cook: hulled and pearl barley. The main difference between these two is how they are processed. Hulled barley is less processed and has only had the outer husk removed. This makes the barley a tan color. Pearl barley, on the other hand, has had both the outer husks and the bran layers removed.

These barley options require different preparation when cooking. Because pearl barley has been more refined and processed, this is considered the “no-fuss” barley. It doesn't require any preparation, and you can cook it as it is. Hulled barley should be prepared before cooking by soaking it in water for a few hours. It's also important to note that hulled barley will take longer to cook, approximately twice the amount of time it takes pearl barley to cook.

Below, when talking about different methods of cooking barley, I'll be referring to pearl barley. If you have hulled barley, soak your barley before cooking and expect to double the cooking time unless stated otherwise.

Stovetop

Boiling your barley on the stovetop is very easy. You can cook it in water, or if you want to add extra flavor, you can use broth. To cook one cup of barley, boil three cups of water or your choice of broth with a dash of salt. Add your barley, cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for about 25-30 minutes or until all the liquid has been absorbed. The barley should be tender and have a slightly chewy texture.

• Boil three cups of water or your choice of broth.
• Add a dash of salt and one cup of barley.
• Cover the pot and reduce heat to medium-low.
• Simmer for 25-30 minutes.
  • Add an additional 25 minutes for hulled barley.
• Check that all or most water has been absorbed by barley.
• Remove from stove and serve once barley is tender.

Instant Pot

To cook your barley in the instant pot, add one cup of barley and two cups of water or your choice of broth to the instant pot. You can also add any desired seasonings like salt, bay leaf, or cinnamon. Stir any seasonings and then seal the instant pot lid. Cook on high pressure for 20 minutes. If you're cooking hulled barley, add an extra half cup of liquid and cook on high pressure for 25 minutes. After the designated cooking time, allow the instant pot to pressure release for 15 minutes.

• Add one cup of barley and two cups of water or your choice of broth to the instant pot.
• Add and stir any desired seasonings.
• Cook on high pressure for 20 minutes.
  • Add half a cup of liquid and 5 minutes of cooking time if cooking hulled barley.
• Allow pressure to release for 15 minutes.
• Serve.

Oven

To cook your barley in the oven, preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Using an oven-safe dish with a lid, add one cup of barley and two cups of water or your choice of broth. Add any preferred seasonings like salt or pepper and stir. Then, place the lid on and place it into the oven. Cook for one hour. Check that the barley is tender.

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Place one cup and two cups of water or your choice of broth into an oven-safe dish with a lid.
• Add in any preferred seasonings and stir.
• Put the lid on and place into the oven.
• Cook for one hour.
• Check that the barley is tender and serve.

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If you're looking for well-rounded meals that include barley, here is one of our favorite recipes:

Barley and Vegetable Stuffed Peppers

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• Author: MomsWhoThink.com
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings

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Ingredients

Units USM

• 1 cup pearl barley, rinsed
• 4 large bell peppers, halved and seeds removed
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 cup diced zucchini
• 1/2 cup diced red onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
• Lime wedges for serving

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Instructions

1. Cook the pearl barley according to the package instructions. Once cooked, set aside.
2. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
3. Combine cooked barley, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, zucchini, red onion, garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl.
4. Place the bell pepper halves in a baking dish.
5. Spoon the barley and vegetable mixture into each pepper half, pressing down gently to pack the filling.
6. Top each stuffed pepper with shredded cheddar cheese.
7. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the peppers are tender.
8. Remove the foil and bake for 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired, and serve with lime wedges on the side.

Nutrition

• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 12 g
• Protein: 12 g

The image featured at the top of this post is ©SherSor/Shutterstock.com.

The post How To Cook Barley Perfectly, 3 Ways appeared first on Moms Who Think.

There are 3 main ways to cook sirloin steak perfectly at home: on the grill, in the oven, or on the stovetop. The word “sirloin” describes the area of the cow where the steak is cut from. The sirloin is an area on the back of the cow near the tenderloin and short loin.

Sirloin steak is more affordable than more expensive cuts like filet mignon, New York strip, and ribeye. Even so, it has an appealing, strong beef flavor and retains its shape well during cooking. Boneless sirloin steak is relatively lean, so if you prefer a cut with more fat marbling, choose a top sirloin steak.

Cooking methods are the same regardless of which type of sirloin steak you choose. Most people stick with the most convenient cooking method, but it’s worth trying each to see which delivers the flavor you like best.  

On the Grill

Grilling is king when it comes to cooking steak. It imparts deep, smoky flavors, and its intense heat results in a perfectly seared sirloin with a juicy interior. Follow these steps to grill an amazing sirloin steak.

• Liberally season each side of the steak with salt. This not only imparts flavor but also helps create a crispy surface and moist interior.
• Add freshly ground black pepper or other seasonings to taste.
• Let your seasoned steak sit at room temperature while you preheat your grill.
• Using a pastry brush or wadded-up paper towels, brush your grill grates with cooking oil.
• Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
• Place the sirloin steaks on the hot grill. Grill on the first side for 4 to 5 minutes for medium doneness.
• Flip the steaks over and grill for an additional 4 to 5 minutes, depending on the thickness of your steak.
• Use a meat thermometer to test for the degree of doneness, as designated below.
• Allow the cooked steak to rest for a few minutes, then plate and serve.

In the Oven

When the weather is bad, it’s good to know that sirloin steak doesn’t have to be grilled to turn out well. You can cook an excellent steak dinner by following these steps.

• Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.
• While it’s preheating, pat the steaks dry and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and/or a seasoning blend of your choice.
• Allow the seasoned steak to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
• Prepare to sear the steaks by heating a heavy, oven-safe skillet on the stovetop at medium-high heat.
• Place the steaks in the hot skillet and sear each side for 1 to 2 minutes.
• Put the skillet and steaks into the preheated oven. Bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes or until the meat reaches your desired level of doneness.
• Remove the skillet from the oven and allow the steaks to rest before slicing and serving.

On the Stove

Pan-searing a sirloin steak is one of the easiest and most delicious ways to prepare this cut of beef. Former chef and food blogger Jenn Segal says the best steaks for stovetop cooking are boneless cuts between 1 and 1 and ½ inches thick. Follow these steps to fry a juicy steak with a crisply browned exterior.

• Pat room temperature sirloin steaks dry on each side with paper towels.
• Season meat generously on each side with salt and pepper.
• Heat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until it is piping hot.
• Add 2 tablespoons of cooking oil to the pan and let it heat until it shimmers.
• Carefully place your steaks into the skillet.
• Allow them to cook on one side, undisturbed, for about 3 minutes or until they have developed a browned crust and release easily from the pan’s surface.
• Flip and cook on the other side for 3 to 4 minutes before testing for doneness with a meat thermometer.
• Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the pan for an additional flavor boost.
• Allow the steaks to rest before slicing thinly against the grain and serving.

Sirloin Steak Cooking Tips

Remove your steaks from the fridge 30 to 60 minutes before cooking. This allows the meat to come to room temperature, which results in more even heat distribution. Cooking a steak straight from the refrigerator can leave you with a charred exterior but a middle that’s not quite as done as you’d like.   

Claudia Caldwell says to avoid pressing down on the steak while it’s grilling or pan-frying. Doing so squeezes out valuable meat juices, leaving you with a dry steak.

Consider turning on your exhaust fan when cooking sirloin steak indoors. The high heat and fat content can create an uncomfortable level of smoke inside the kitchen.

Testing for doneness is easy if you use a meat thermometer. Insert the probe horizontally through the steak’s thickest part. It’s time to plate your sirloin steak when the interior reaches these temperatures:

• Rare: 115℉
• Medium rare: 125℉
• Medium: 135℉
• Medium well: 145℉
• Well done: 155℉

Once the sirloin steak reaches your level of doneness, remove it from the heat and allow it to rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing into it. This is a must to ensure the meat’s natural juices are redistributed throughout the steak.

Up Next

USDA Choice vs. Prime: How They’re Different & Is It Worth Paying More?

Is Steak Healthy, Actually? What Science Says

Is Costco’s Sous Vide Grass-Fed Beef Sirloin a Hidden Gem?

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Suzanne Pratt/Shutterstock.com.

The post How To Cook Sirloin Steak Perfectly, 3 Ways appeared first on Moms Who Think.

Turnips are a purple and white root vegetable that tastes similar to a mild radish. They are a part of the cruciferous family, which also includes vegetables like Brussels sprouts, bok choy, and kale. Like the other vegetables in this cruciferous family, turnips also have great health benefits. Not only are they great for human consumption but also for cattle. They are low in calories but are packed full of macronutrients, vitamins, and minerals like vitamin C, folate, phosphorus, calcium, vitamin K, and provitamin A. These nutrients come from both the turnip and its leaves. If you are ready to cook turnips at home to get the benefits they can offer, here are the three best ways to cook them perfectly.

Roasted

Making oven-roasted turnips is great as a side dish to any meal. It's super simple and only requires a few ingredients. First, peel and cut the turnips into two-inch cubes. Then, season them with your desired seasonings. You can keep it simple with olive oil, salt, and pepper, or you can add other seasonings like oregano or rosemary. Then, place them in an oven-safe dish or a baking sheet and cook in the oven at 425 degrees for 30-35 minutes. After this time, check that the turnips are tender. Once complete, remove them from the oven, toss them in butter, and serve.

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
• Peel and cut turnips into two-inch cubes.
• Season with your choice of seasonings with olive oil.
• Cook in the oven for 30-35 minutes or until turnips are tender.
• Remove from oven and toss in butter to serve.

Boiled

To boil your turnips, prepare them the same way as if you were roasting them, peel and cut them into two-inch cubes. Add them to a pot and then cover in water and add a teaspoon of salt. Bring the water to a boil, then lower and simmer the turnips for 30 minutes or until they become tender. Sometimes turnips can be bitter. A trick to make them less bitter is to add baking soda (once the turnips are cooked). It will foam up, which is normal, but stir for a few minutes and then strain the turnips. Rinse the turnips with water to remove any excess baking soda. Then, season the turnips with butter and your choice of seasonings.

• Peel and cut turnips into two-inch cubes.
• Place turnips in a pot and cover with water with a teaspoon of salt.
• Bring water to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
• Add half a teaspoon of baking soda and stir for a few minutes.
• Drain and rinse turnips.
• Season and serve.

Pan-Fry

To pan-fry your turnips, peel and cut into two-inch cubes. Place them on a pan in a single layer, and add water until it covers two-thirds of the turnips. Then, add butter, sugar, salt, and pepper. Boil the water, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the turnips simmer for five minutes. Then turn up the heat to medium-high and cook uncovered for 30 minutes or until the water has evaporated and the turnips have browned.

• Peel and cut turnips into two-inch cubes.
• Place in pan and cover two-thirds of turnips with water.
• Add two teaspoons of butter, salt, and pepper to taste.
• Boil the water, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for five minutes.
• Turn the heat back up to medium-high and cook for 30 minutes.
• Remove once the water has evaporated and the turnips have browned.

Recipes

If you're ready to integrate more turnips into your everyday diet, here are some great recipes.

Lemon Lentil Turnip Chowder

This creamy and lemony soup is a great recipe to warm and fill you up. Turnips can substitute potatoes in certain dishes. In this case, using turnips instead of potatoes adds a pleasant mild bitterness.

Turnip Fried Rice

This turnip fried rice recipe is paleo and keto. It's made with turnips, ginger, broccoli, coconut aminos, carrots, and eggs. It's a great low-carbohydrate meal and an extremely healthy alternative to traditional fried rice.

Turnip Dhal

Dhal is an Indian dish similar to curry. Although not traditionally made with turnips, they are a great addition to this dish. It's an easy recipe that is delicious and can come together in less than 30 minutes. It is great to serve over rice for a complete and well-rounded meal.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©STUDIO GRAND WEB/Shutterstock.com.

The post How To Cook Turnips Perfectly, 3 Ways appeared first on Moms Who Think.